[OklahomaGirl]

Hi! My name is Jessica, and i just became a member of Women's Health.
I tried to search for a thread in relation to my question, but I can't seem to find exactly what I'm looking for.
My boyfriend and I have been dating for about 8 months, and we are now sexually active. We've been using condoms, and we had to get an emergency contraceptive once. I would like to get on birth control - I was considering an IUD until I read about how many women get infections because of it! So now I am considering just standard birth control pills. I understand that it would be better for me to see a healthcare professional about it, but this where it gets tricky for me -
I could just go to the health dept. to get birth control, but it can be very costly, and I am moving to North Dakota next month and won't have a job right off the bat (I am also attending college). I do have health insurance because my dad is a veteran, and I understand it may cover the cost of birth control. Neither of my parents want me to be sexually active, but my dad is more understanding than my mom is about it. My dad prefers that my boyfriend and I use protection if we were intimate. My mom would be incredibly unhappy about it, and would probably gossip to family and friends - so I would rather she not know (at the very least until I move).

My questions are:
Can I get birth control with insurance without my parents finding out, and
what method(s) are most highly recommended?
I'm 19, and have never been pregnant.

[LanaBear]

Do you have a Planned Parenthood around? Also, double check with the health department, most state health departments and Planned Parenthoods charge on a sliding scale, based on your income.

To get BC utilizing your parents insurance, you would need to go to the Dr and get an exam. They would submit the claim to the insurance and then an EOB (Explanation of Benefits) would be more than likely mailed to the policy holder, your dad. It would break down by line item what was done at the Dr's office... Exam and probably placement of IUD.

As far as what methods are most recommended, it really depends on you. There are pills, IUD's, shots, patches, etc. Do your research and become familiar with each on and their side effects.

[kira]

A few places like Planned Parenthood offer very cheap and sometimes free birth control. I got my IUD for free after insurance wouldn't cover it. Sometimes colleges or universities will offer some options. Unfortunately the only pills such places usually offer as low cost are ones I can't take. Although with the generic version of yasmin in existence now they might offer that. Generally they have generics or low dose versions. POPs seem to be easy to get. Those are progesterone only pills which have their benefits and drawbacks. You should be able to get a pamphlet on all the options if you can find a clinic in your area.

[p3375]

Okgirl
Echo what LB said re: checking w/ health dept. N Dakota Health Dept has a pretty good website, check it out and think you'll find clinic locations and lots of services for you. First time in, you will be asked to provide financial info so they can determine what, if anything, to charge you. If you're not working, you should enter '0' in the 'income' slot on the form. Most fam planning services are free, esp if you are not working and have no earned income (the sliding scale mentioned above). Also, they are confidential
You should be seen by a doc. or (more likely) Nurse Practitioner who will discuss all the different methods of b.c. available there, not just pill or condoms. Most state health dept.s receive grant $ from the fed.s to support these activities. The idea is to prevent unwanted pregancy, esp in young women like yourself.

[ana123]

I'm 19 and didn't want my parents to know either. So 2 weeks ago I went to Planned Parenthood. In total it cost me 12$. I looked at the bill ad it turns out the appointment was 12$ and I got the birth control pills for free. I had to bring in prof of income so I chose a W2 statement from last year where I earned around 800 or 900$. Everything is on a sliding scale and the experience at the office was pleasant; no one judged me and most if not all of the women there were young and getting birth control. Just expect an hour wait!

[bmdnkad11309]

I don't know much about North Dakota, but I'm pretty sure if you're over 18, you can get it by yourself. I'm 15, and we have a free clinic at the health department in my area that gives it out. Have you checked out any information on free clinics in the area you're moving to? I've been on the pill for awhile and I'm pretty lucky I get mine free. Planned Parenthood where I am told me it would cost $70-$80 just for the original check up, and then an extra $10 for the birth control. But yeah, the area could make a huge difference. But like I said, it might benefit you to check around for free clinics. I hope this helps!