Cost of Plan B: How to Save Money on the Morning After Pill

Plan B, which is otherwise known as the Morning After Pill, is a form of emergency contraception. If you have had an accident and/or believe that your regular method of birth control may have been ineffective at preventing pregnancy, you may want to consider using Plan B. The Morning After Pill is available over-the-counter and can be purchased without a prescription if you are at least seventeen years old or older. It is also available at clinics, such as Planned Parenthood. How much does Plan B cost though?

How Much Does Plan B Cost?

The cost of the Morning After Pill ultimately depends on where you are purchasing. The cost widely varies. According to Planned Parenthood, Plan B can be purchased for a price that can range anywhere between $10 and $70. Keep in mind that pharmacies are likely to charge the most money for the Morning After Pill.

How Can You Save Money on Plan B?

If you are trying to save money on the cost of Plan B, you may want to consider visiting a health clinic. Planned Parenthood and similar clinics provide the Morning After Pill at the lowest cost. Some health care clinics provide Plan B for free, depending on the woman's level of income and insurance coverage. Keep in mind that there are also some insurance companies which will be willing to provide reimbursement for Plan B, so be sure to save your receipt.

Getting Plan B at a Health Clinic - Considerations

When visiting Planned Parenthood or another clinic for emergency contraception, there are a few things that you will want to take into consideration. For starters, clinics generally require you to agree to a counseling session before they will provide you with Plan B. Also keep in mind that you will want to get to the clinic within one to two days of having sex, as the Morning After Pill loses effectiveness over time. Taking it within three days is necessary to prevent pregnancy, and it is highly recommended for you to take it within the first 24 hours.

If you are thinking about not using Plan B because you are afraid that it won't work, it is important to keep in mind that it is a highly effective method of emergency contraception. It reduces the overall risk of pregnancy from 8% to 1%, which is the equivalent of an 89% effectiveness rate. Though it may seem like $70 is a lot to spend on emergency contraception, remember that you will be spending far more in the event of pregnancy.

Source:

Planned Parenthood, "Morning-After Pill (Emergency Contraception)."