Birth Control and Prenatal Vitamins Available for Free in Massachusetts
State leaders have expanded access to reproductive healthcare in the state of Massachusetts.
The Healey administration announced two orders this past March that allow eligible MassHealth members and Health Safety Net patients to be able to access both prenatal vitamins and over-the-counter birth control with no cost.
The orders sent out by the Healey administration were announced with the intention of helping about half a million patients. These orders allow for the state to write prescriptions for a large group of people who are in need of reproductive medications. It will especially help Massachusetts citizens in need of reproductive health medications with low-incomes or citizens who are uninsured by allowing them to gain access to their health needs at all MassHealth enrolled pharmacies.
The first order is for only a 90-day supply coverage for over the counter prenatal medications containing at least 400 mcg of folic acid which helps to produce new cells. The second order covers a 365-day supply of over the counter contraceptives that are 0.075 mg tablets. For both orders, pharmacists are required to counsel their patients on the proper use of each vitamin or medication, instructing on its proper use as well as possible side effects, signs to be aware of, as well as possible recommendations.
For the birth control tablets specifically, emphasizing the importance of consistent daily dosages and informing the patients the pill does not protect against sexually transmitted infections will be a pharmacists requirement as well.
The overall goal of these orders is to make reproductive healthcare more accessible, efficient, and affordable for Massachusetts residents. Governor Maura Healey stated, “These standing orders will make it easier and more affordable for people to make the best health care decisions for themselves, will improve health outcomes for women and babies, and will reduce health disparities,” Healey said in a statement with NBC Boston News.
