Starting this week, Medicaid recipients in North Carolina can access over-the-counter birth control pills at no cost from participating pharmacies across the state. The contraceptive pill, Opill, will be covered and available without the need for a prescription for Medicaid enrollees in 92 out of 100 counties in North Carolina, thanks to a law passed in 2021 that allows pharmacists to prescribe certain contraceptives within state medical guidelines.
The state has been enrolling pharmacists as providers since early 2024, with the official announcement of the Medicaid benefit made two weeks ago. Governor Roy Cooper highlighted the importance of expanding healthcare access, including family planning decisions, during a visit to a pharmacy in Chapel Hill.
Opill is the first over-the-counter oral contraception approved by federal regulators. The availability of birth control pills at pharmacies could help eliminate cost and access barriers, especially in rural areas where healthcare providers may be scarce. Pharmacies enrolled in Medicaid will be able to submit claims for reimbursement.
North Carolina has a Medicaid population of nearly 3 million, with 56% of enrollees being female. This initiative aims to improve access to contraception and empower individuals to make informed choices about their reproductive health.