Thread: Problems Affording The Implanon - Is there somewhere I can get it for free?

Hi,

I'm new here - as in, brand new, only been here a few minutes, so hello. My name's Natalie, I'm 24 and I live in California.

I've been on birth control most of my life to help with psychiatric things like mood swings and stuff but I've also used it when I've been in monogamous relationships. I've always used the pill and have tried probably fifteen or twenty different types of the pill. The Ortho Tri-Cyclen worked best for me.

I'm in a monogamous relationship now and I need to get back on birth control and I've been exploring my options and I really would like the Implanon hormonal implant. (The reason being is that I take so many pills for depression and insomnia and things already, I just don't want to take anymore pills, as in, the actual physical little round thigns you have to swallow and get refilled at the pharmacy each month - it's just a hassle for me and I don't want to add another prescription to my list of meds I take).

So I went to the doctor and I was told that with Blueshield primary insurance and Medicare secondary insurance that it's not covered and will cost somewhere around $800. This is with private insurance. So today I called Planned Parenthood and it appears they want to use my insurance as well, so I know they're going to call back tomorrow and tell me it's not covered.

Does anyone know where you can get actual FREE birth control of any type? I was told the Mirena isn't covered by my insurance either, nor the shot, only pills. Yet, when I called Planned Parenthood it sounded like they expect you to pay full price for whatever you get. I can manage this with a payment plan and I will do that if I have to, but it just seems like there's got to be some way to get this birth control without having to pay nearly a thousand dollars...

If anyone has any information on free birth control or women's rights to birth control or anything at all that might help, please let me know - just respond to the thread as I'll be checking it daily for a while.

Thanks,

(Very frustrated),

PP only does the free bc in some areas, and it's income based/insurance based. If you're insured, that means you can get some form of contraceptive at a discount (or free, depending on the plan). PP isn't there to offer all forms of bc to anyone who wants, but to offer inexpensive (or free) options to those that would otherwise have nothing. That said, they may be willing to do a payment plan with you. Also, $800/3 years = about $22/month, so in the long run it's a fairly cheap option compared to others, it's just getting that lump-sum payment that is difficult. I doubt you'll find anywhere willing to give you Implanon for free/cheap, as it's one of the most expensive bc's out on the market right now (as far as single payment goes, anyways).