RANT: Rawr Birth Control and Insurance

Sugargirl1019

I'm super dramatic when I don't get what I want. My beautiful precious Lo Loestrin Fe birth control pills are not covered by DHs insurance, which we are switching to for the new year. I'm DEVASTATED!

So I sucked it up and asked my ob/gyn to write for a similar type birth control.

They gave me a list of 7. None of them are covered on DHs insurance. Then I find out: HIS INSURANCE DOESNT COVER annnyyyyy BIRTH CONTROL. I'm super upset. He doesn't want kids right now and I kinda like the way I feel on this birth control. I have the right to decide when to have kids and I also have the right to not have to wear condoms in my marriage.

Not to get in a religious or political discussion but.

How do you guys do it? Does anyone not have their meds covered by their insurance? We looked into the Mirena, but it's 1000. Like, Idk if we want to do that, but it would be less expensive to use that for 5 years then pay monthly for a birth control.

sarahufl

I can't take hormonal BC because of a history of blood disorders in my family.

So we do NFP, which is shockingly easy to follow (if you are regular). We just use condoms when I am ovulating.

That said, we want kids- so after we leave for our honeymoon one month from Thursday (!!!), all bets are off.

RebeccaFlower

This literally same thing happened to me! I loved the Loestrin. I'm now on Sprintex because the estrogen is only 5% high (or something like that). 

We pay a lot for our health insurance and it's like half the time, nothing is covered. 

SmileDamnit

Do you have a Planned Parenthood or anther family planning type clinic near you? If so, shoot them a visit as they often offer discounted BC without insurance.

bellaluna290

When I was still on my mom's insurance, they didn't want to cover my BC. I switched my RX to Target (a generic of OTC), and paid ~7.00 for it. My BC is free now though because of ACA.

holyguacamole79

Is there a reason why you can't stay on your currrent insurance?  DH & I each have our own insurance plans.

Otherwise, I'm with @sarahufl regarding NFP.  But then again, we are currently TTC, so it's not a burden for us.  Even if we were TTA, though, we'd still do it.  (Yes, I'm Catholic & that is the main reason why we do NFP.  But, when I was on the Pill in my early 20s, I had high blood pressure and heart palpitations, so I won't take it again).

VulgarGirl

Well we're both girls so...that's the form of birth control we use. Super effective.

However I get very ranty and angry when birth control is not covered by health insurance. Birth control is used for multiple reasons, I've been on it, and again I'm not gonna get knocked up screwing girls (I was on it to help clear up my skin back in the day).

Planned Parenthood might be able to help you out, and maybe ask your regular ob/gyn if they have any kind of samples they can hook you up with. No idea what BC would cost with insurance but I know other drugs can be hella expensive.

dcbride86

My insurance covers mine but because it doesn't have a generic (Ortho Tri Cyclin Lo), it's still pretty expensive - about $50/month.  Sucks - luckily, sometimes FI will either pay for it or cover something else that month

Sugargirl1019

I'm used to getting my birth control through mail order, too. His insurance won't even let us use mail order for 3 month supplies my world is being rocked and I'm angry. I don't want to go to the pharmacy every damn month.

Sugargirl1019

holyguacamole79 said:

Is there a reason why you can't stay on your currrent insurance?  DH & I each have our own insurance plans.

Otherwise, I'm with @sarahufl regarding NFP.  But then again, we are currently TTC, so it's not a burden for us.  Even if we were TTA, though, we'd still do it.  (Yes, I'm Catholic & that is the main reason why we do NFP.  But, when I was on the Pill in my early 20s, I had high blood pressure and heart palpitations, so I won't take it again).

I can no longer be covered on my parents insurance due to turning 26 this coming year. And DH only has one open enrollment for benefits, so it has to be now.

sarahufl

I should add that I actually like NFP, but I am ragey on your behalf that you can't get BC through your insurance.

That is ridiculous.

esstee33

I'd look into Planned Parenthood, also. I was completely without any kind of health insurance for 4 years, and they made it really easy to maintain my prescriptions. 

holyguacamole79

Sugargirl1019 said:

Is there a reason why you can't stay on your currrent insurance?  DH & I each have our own insurance plans.

Otherwise, I'm with @sarahufl regarding NFP.  But then again, we are currently TTC, so it's not a burden for us.  Even if we were TTA, though, we'd still do it.  (Yes, I'm Catholic & that is the main reason why we do NFP.  But, when I was on the Pill in my early 20s, I had high blood pressure and heart palpitations, so I won't take it again).

I can no longer be covered on my parents insurance due to turning 26 this coming year. And DH only has one open enrollment for benefits, so it has to be now.

That makes sense.  I hope you can find a good solution..

HeatherKat

Sugargirl1019 said:

I'm used to getting my birth control through mail order, too. His insurance won't even let us use mail order for 3 month supplies my world is being rocked and I'm angry. I don't want to go to the pharmacy every damn month.

Seriously, look into Planned Parenthood. While I haven't used them, my BFF does for her BCP. She gets a package in the mail every 3 months filled with anti-baby pills, plan B, and a fun bag full of assorted condoms. It's the best thing ever, and she loves it.

climbingsingle

That really sucks. My BC pills are covered by my insurance, and are free every month. They won't let me do mail order, and they won't give me three months at a time. So I do have to go to CVS every month. 

Can you look into getting a generic so the cost is lower? Or ditto going to Planned Parenthood. 

chibiyui

I can't believe there are insurances that don't cover birth control. I know there are, but I can't just understand the logic behind it. Healthcare for one person shouldn't be decided by another person's religious or political beliefs.

cupcait927

Sugargirl1019 said:

Is there a reason why you can't stay on your currrent insurance?  DH & I each have our own insurance plans.

Otherwise, I'm with @sarahufl regarding NFP.  But then again, we are currently TTC, so it's not a burden for us.  Even if we were TTA, though, we'd still do it.  (Yes, I'm Catholic & that is the main reason why we do NFP.  But, when I was on the Pill in my early 20s, I had high blood pressure and heart palpitations, so I won't take it again).

I can no longer be covered on my parents insurance due to turning 26 this coming year. And DH only has one open enrollment for benefits, so it has to be now.

You can stay on your parents insurance until you turn 26 and then switch to your husband's. When you turn 26, that's a qualifying event (you're losing your current coverage) that would allow your husband to add you to his insurance. You don't necessarily have to do it now just becasue he's going through open enrollment. Unless your husband's HR office is really shitty (which is kind of sounds like it is for choosing plans that don't cover BC or mail order), they should allow the qualifying event. When do you turn 26?

sarawifenow

Oh I am pissed for you! BC is something every woman should have access to. Like @MagicInk mentioned, women are on it for other reasons than the obvious. I was on it at 14 to regulate my periods.

 

H and I don't use anything. He just pulls out. We haven't had any scares and I have been off of BC for about a year now.

littlemushroom

Check with your local Walmart and grocery stores for their low cost BC. Many now have $4/mo prescriptions for all kinds of things, including BC. I am on Sprintec (a generic for Mononessa) and it is $9/mo WITHOUT insurance. It is $5/mo with my insurance. There are some low cost options out there, you may just have to look.

But it makes me ragey that his insurance doesn't cover ANY BC. That is so stupid.

southernbelle0915

chibiyui said:

I can't believe there are insurances that don't cover birth control. I know there are, but I can't just understand the logic behind it. Healthcare for one person shouldn't be decided by another person's religious or political beliefs.

I agree with this, but it's not usually the insurance carrier's choice. In other words, it's not their fault.

Generally the denial of certain services is dictated by the policy holder. So if the policy holder buys a policy that doesn't cover birth control, that's not the insurance company's fault, it's the employer's (policy holder's) fault. 

An example would be say your employer chooses to buy grid paper instead of lined paper from Staples.. It would be like being pissed at Staples for supplying the paper ordered by your employer. KWIM?

I've worked on all sides of it - insurance, hospital and employer. Currently, I'm with a Catholic company that does not cover birth control at all. I paid out of pocket for my Mirena IUD. Yes, I have the "right" to decide when to have kids. So I chose to pay out of pocket - also my right.

bellaluna290

cupcait927 said:

Sugargirl1019 said:

Is there a reason why you can't stay on your currrent insurance?  DH & I each have our own insurance plans.

Otherwise, I'm with @sarahufl regarding NFP.  But then again, we are currently TTC, so it's not a burden for us.  Even if we were TTA, though, we'd still do it.  (Yes, I'm Catholic & that is the main reason why we do NFP.  But, when I was on the Pill in my early 20s, I had high blood pressure and heart palpitations, so I won't take it again).

I can no longer be covered on my parents insurance due to turning 26 this coming year. And DH only has one open enrollment for benefits, so it has to be now.

You can stay on your parents insurance until you turn 26 and then switch to your husband's. When you turn 26, that's a qualifying event (you're losing your current coverage) that would allow your husband to add you to his insurance. You don't necessarily have to do it now just becasue he's going through open enrollment. Unless your husband's HR office is really shitty (which is kind of sounds like it is for choosing plans that don't cover BC or mail order), they should allow the qualifying event. When do you turn 26?

This.

Also; you could have made the switch when you got married because that's also a qualifying event.

southernbelle0915

Another option would be to carry dual coverage. Do you have a job? A job that provides health insurance? 

If so, see if your insurance covers BC and go with that. Either as primary coverage (your only insurance) or secondary coverage (picking up what your H's insurance doesn't cover). You do not HAVE to be on each others' plans.

emmaaa

You could also look into getting your own policy that does cover BC.

chibiyui

southernbelle0915 said:

chibiyui said:

I can't believe there are insurances that don't cover birth control. I know there are, but I can't just understand the logic behind it. Healthcare for one person shouldn't be decided by another person's religious or political beliefs.

I agree with this, but it's not usually the insurance carrier's choice. In other words, it's not their fault.

Generally the denial of certain services is dictated by the policy holder. So if the policy holder buys a policy that doesn't cover birth control, that's not the insurance company's fault, it's the employer's (policy holder's) fault. 

An example would be say your employer chooses to buy grid paper instead of lined paper from Staples.. It would be like being pissed at Staples for supplying the paper ordered by your employer. KWIM?

I've worked on all sides of it - insurance, hospital and employer. Currently, I'm with a Catholic company that does not cover birth control at all. I paid out of pocket for my Mirena IUD. Yes, I have the "right" to decide when to have kids. So I chose to pay out of pocket - also my right.

I understand that the policy holder is usually the asshole here. My point is that the policy holders beliefs shouldn't affect their employees health care. If the policy holDer thinks birth control is sinful, tough shit.

southernbelle0915

chibiyui said:

chibiyui said:

I can't believe there are insurances that don't cover birth control. I know there are, but I can't just understand the logic behind it. Healthcare for one person shouldn't be decided by another person's religious or political beliefs.

I agree with this, but it's not usually the insurance carrier's choice. In other words, it's not their fault.

Generally the denial of certain services is dictated by the policy holder. So if the policy holder buys a policy that doesn't cover birth control, that's not the insurance company's fault, it's the employer's (policy holder's) fault. 

An example would be say your employer chooses to buy grid paper instead of lined paper from Staples.. It would be like being pissed at Staples for supplying the paper ordered by your employer. KWIM?

I've worked on all sides of it - insurance, hospital and employer. Currently, I'm with a Catholic company that does not cover birth control at all. I paid out of pocket for my Mirena IUD. Yes, I have the "right" to decide when to have kids. So I chose to pay out of pocket - also my right.

I understand that the policy holder is usually the asshole here. My point is that the policy holders beliefs shouldn't affect their employees health care. If the policy holDer thinks birth control is sinful, tough shit.

I agree with you from a political perspective, but your post implied that the insurance carrier was making a religious/political decision not to cover it - hence my healthcare schpeal correcting common misconceptions. I flip off Hobby Lobby every single time I drive by one of their crappy stores. And I NEVER direct brides there.

You'd be surprised how many people blame insurance companies for everything. I have to explain the difference to people all the time. It's kind of scary how many people don't understand what is arguably the most important product in their life and the relationships between different entities!

Sugargirl1019

Okay major update: turns out that since my husband was the only one currently listed for his insurance, as I was typing in the names of birth controls to see if they were covered, they showed up as not covered because well, he's a man. They gave me a list of the few that they cover at 100%. So yay.

Problem - none of the ones they cover are norethindrone/ethinyl estradiol. They are all either just norethindrone (only progestin) or norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol.

I like the combination with estrogen better, they are more reliable. But I've never taken a medicine with norgestimate. Also they don't seem to be lowww doses like what I was taking. I don't want to gain weight.

So.. Look up your birth control ladies and tell me what you take and if you've noticed bad side effects.

I can do: Quasense, Trinessa, Tri-Estarylla, Tri-Linyah, Tri-Previfem or Tri-Sprintec. All the tris are the same combination med just different dosages I'm guessing. Left sigh.
Anyone take Ortho Tri-Cyclen? It's the same combination as those (norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol)

sophhabobopha

I had no idea there was still insurence that didn't cover BC. I'm 19 and have had my Mirena for two years. I LOOOOVE IT. 

But our insurence covered everything, including it's removal in three years.

theartistformerlyknownas

Doesn't your own job offer a plan that will cover it? 

I'm sure it's super illegal to send you all the spare packs I'll have once I stop taking mine in a couple weeks. :-p

SmileDamnit

lolo883 said:

Doesn't your own job offer a plan that will cover it? 

I'm sure it's super illegal to send you all the spare packs I'll have once I stop taking mine in a couple weeks. :-p

Eeeks! This makes me giddy excited! I know your TK loyal, but pretty please with sugar on top, come over to TH and start posting on the TTC board (…quickly followed by the expecting board when you quickly get knocked up ). 

theartistformerlyknownas

SmileDamnit said:

lolo883 said:

Doesn't your own job offer a plan that will cover it? 

I'm sure it's super illegal to send you all the spare packs I'll have once I stop taking mine in a couple weeks. :-p

Eeeks! This makes me giddy excited! I know your TK loyal, but pretty please with sugar on top, come over to TH and start posting on the TTC board (…quickly followed by the expecting board when you quickly get knocked up ). 

Ahhhh thanks @SmileDamnit! I'm trying not to even admit it to myself too much yet. Sometimes I go to lurk on TTC and slap my wrist like NO LOLO, not yet! I'm weirdly superstitious about it all.

bellaluna290

Sugargirl1019 I have been on tri-sprintec for almost 10 years with no problems. I can't say that you will have the same luck though.All of those pills that you listed are generics of ortho tri cyclen and should (key word being should) yield the same results.