Changes to Cost for Birth Control Supplies
As a result of changes to the Federal Deficit Reduction Act, institutions of higher education no longer qualify for special reduced pricing for contraceptive supplies. Pharmaceutical companies will now be charging colleges and universities nationwide significantly higher rates for these supplies. We recognize that many students may be inconvenienced by this and UHS has taken steps to address this issue:
- UHS has ordered as large a supply of brand-name contraception at the lower rates in advance as possible. Limited quantities are available. Once these supplies are depleted, UHS will no longer offer brand-name contraception.
- Beginning this spring, UHS will offer some generic brand birth control pills on site for a fee.
- UHS clinicians will provide prescriptions for those students who prefer to use brand-name contraceptives. Students are encouraged to use their prescription plans for these supplies. Plans may offer cost-saving options, including 3 month supplies through mail order programs.
UHS will monitor efforts by the American College Health Association (ACHA) to address this issue nationally and advocate for a reversal of this change in the legislation. For more information about the changes to the Deficit Reduction Act see Title VI, Subtitle A, of the Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) of 2005.
Plan B
Beginning February 1, 2007, UHS will offer Plan B (emergency contraception) at a fee that is currently less than the local pharmacy price now that it is available over-the-counter.