Free birth control pills and condoms for millions: Kamala’s pre-election healthcare plan unveiled

Millions of people with private health insurance could soon access free over-the-counter birth control methods, including condoms, the morning-after pill, and birth control pills, under a new rule proposed by the White House on Monday.

Currently, health insurers are required to cover prescribed contraception, but the new rule would expand that coverage to include non-prescription methods, allowing individuals to obtain these products at no cost from local stores.

The proposal, unveiled just ahead of the 5 November election, aligns with Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign focus on expanding women’s healthcare access.

This move follows the US Supreme Court's decision to overturn nationwide abortion rights two years ago. “The proposed rule we announce today would expand access to birth control at no additional cost for millions of consumers,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra.

“Bottom line: women should have control over their personal health care decisions.”

The rule would cover emergency contraceptives like levonorgestrel, commonly known as "Plan B," and Opill, a newly FDA-approved over-the-counter birth control pill.

Without insurance, these medications can cost up to $50 per pack, and delays in acquiring a prescription could reduce their effectiveness.

The Affordable Care Act first mandated private insurers to cover prescribed contraceptive care. This new rule, however, would not apply to those on Medicaid, as states independently set rules for over-the-counter contraception coverage under the program.

In a statement, President Joe Biden said the proposal reinforced the administration’s “commitment to expanding access to quality, affordable contraception,” while Harris echoed the sentiment, calling on Congress to pass federal legislation to restore reproductive freedom.