Beginning January 1, 2024, you can ask your health care provider to prescribe you a 12-month supply of birth control. That way when you head to the pharmacy to pick up your pills, rings, or patches, you can take home enough to last you through the year!

Previously, health insurance companies only had to cover a 3-month supply for prescription birth control. This new 12-month rule means you can make as little as one trip to the pharmacy to last you through the year! For a fortunate some, this might be no big deal. But for the many Montanans trying to balance family/work/school/unreliable cars/icy roads/etc., this new law is going to be a real game changer. (Besides, who doesn’t want to waste 11 fewer lunch breaks standing in line at the pharmacy?)

No! The new law requires that insurance companies cover the one-year supply.

Birth control pills, patches, and rings are all covered. To learn more about birth control options — from pills and patches to IUDs and implants — take a look at Bridgercare’s guide! And if you’re looking to start or switch your birth control method, make an appointment with your provider or with MTSRHC member clinics All Families Healthcare in Whitefish, Blue Mountain Clinic in Missoula, or Bridgercare in Bozeman.