In short, yes! Pandia Health does accept Medicaid/Medi-Cal.
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides health coverage to 72.5 million Americans. To participate in Medicaid, states must cover certain groups of individuals (i.e. low-income family, qualified pregnant women, individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income, etc.). Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid healthcare program, which pays for a variety of medical services for individuals with limited income and resources.
About one in five women rely on Medicaid to access reproductive health care. Medicaid programs offer free birth control, although they are not required to cover all methods. Individuals can check in with their state’s Medicaid office in order to determine if their birth control will be covered.
Our expert doctors at Pandia Health can write prescriptions for individuals who live in AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, NV, TX, & WY. If you live in one of these states and do not have a current prescription, you can set up an online consultation and meet with one of our providers to determine which type of birth control may be best for you. If you do not live in one of these states, you will need to have a prescription from a doctor in order to access our delivery service. You can transfer your prescription to our pharmacy and get it delivered for free.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Medicaid?
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program in the US that provides health coverage to certain groups of individuals (i.e. those who are classified as low-income).
What is Medi-Cal?
Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid healthcare program. This only applies to residents of California.
Does Medicaid cover birth control?
Yes! Medicaid covers FDA-approved birth control methods including the pill, patch, ring (Annovera or NuvaRing), shot (Depo-Provera), implant, cervical cap, diaphragm, IUD, tubal ligation, and emergency contraception (Plan B, Ella, or NextChoice). Medicaid is the largest payor of reproductive healthcare coverage.
Does Medicaid cover the IUD?
Medicaid should cover the cost of an IUD, including the initial visit to get it put in and follow-up visits. The IUD is an excellent birth control method, as it provides long-term protection (a.k.a you do not have to worry about replacing it every month).
Does Medicaid cover NuvaRing?
Medicaid should cover most if not all of the cost of the NuvaRing. You will need a prescription from a doctor or nurse. If you live in AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, NV, TX, & WY, you can schedule an online consultation with one of Pandia Health’s providers to get a prescription. If you live in a different state, you can visit a local doctor’s office or health clinic, like Planned Parenthood.
Does Medicaid cover Nexplanon?
Medicaid should cover most if not all of the cost of Nexplanon (i.e. the birth control implant). Similar to the IUD, this form of birth control is an excellent choice for long-term protection because it can last for up to five years.
Can you get birth control for free?
Yes! Under the Affordable Care Act, individuals who get their insurance from an employer, their state’s marketplace, or a private insurer and have a prescription from a doctor can access birth control with no copay or deductible. If you use the pill, patch, or ring, you can get your prescription delivered for free through Pandia Health. This means you can skip the trip to the pharmacy and no longer need to worry about running out of birth control.
How much does birth control cost without insurance?
At Pandia Health, each pack of birth control costs $15 for individuals who do not have insurance. While we do not offer other types of birth control (i.e. the IUD, shot, implant), these methods can be accessed by individuals who do not have insurance. They may cost anywhere from $15 per month to $1,000 total – the higher cost is typically for longer-term methods like the IUD. If you do not have insurance, you may be able to qualify for Medicaid or other government programs depending on your income and documentation status in the US. These programs can help cover the cost of birth control.
Disclaimer: The above information is for general informational purposes only and is NOT a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor/primary care provider before starting or changing treatment.
Written by Sarah Druckman.