Free pill: for those under 25 in January 2022

[Mise à jour le 4 janvier 2022 à 15h36] In September 2021, the Minister of Health Olivier Véran announced on France 2 the free contraception for all women up to the age of 25 against 18 years. This measure entered into force on January 1, 2022 as confirmed by the ministry : “From 1^er January 2022, the Health Insurance will cover, and without advance payment, the cost of contraception but also the procedures associated with it (annual consultation with a doctor or a midwife, and biological examinations). “ 3 million young women are affected. Why 25 years? Which contraceptions are concerned? The pill ? The IUD? Under what conditions? What about minors?

Is the pill really free for those under 25?

Since January 1, 2022, the pill as well as other reimbursable contraceptives (IUD, contraceptive implant) is issued without advance payment, so free, and 100% coverage by Health Insurance for women under 26, specifies the website of interior ministry (subject always tohave a medical prescription). Similarly, for them, the following costs are covered by Health Insurance, without advance payment:

• Annual consultation giving rise to the prescription of a contraceptive or examinations for a contraceptive prescription
• Annual medical biology exams before the contraceptive prescription (fasting blood sugar, cholesterol dosage, etc.)
• Acts resulting in the insertion, change or withdrawal of a contraceptive

Women up to the age of 25 can benefit from it. The age limit was set at 25 because “it is an age which corresponds, in terms of economic, social and income life” at “more autonomy“explained Olivier Véran during the announcement in September 2021. “It is also the age when one will definitively leave the complementary health insurance of his home.” Among the reasons which pushed the government to take this decision Olivier Véran underlined “the decline in contraception in a certain number of young women and the first reason is that It’s expensive“.

What are the conditions ?

Women up to the age of 25 can be issued free of charge contraceptive pill as well as the IUD or implant, provided they have a medical prescription. The doctors, midwives and planning centers and family education (CPEF) are empowered to prescribe all methods of contraception. On its site, the government confirms that the Health Insurance covers 100% and third-party payment, the cost of contraception and related acts (one consultation per year with a doctor or midwife and potential laboratory examinations). So far, the purchase of the pill was covered 100% by the Health Insurance only for minors. Beyond that, women were not reimbursed at 65%. Male and female condoms, spermicidal creams, patches, vaginal rings and pills of 3 are not affected.^e and 4^e generations, specifies the website of Public service.

Are all pills affected?

No, the site of Public service specifies that the 3rd and 4th generation pills are not affected by 100% coverage up to 25 years. Only women taking a first or second generation pill can benefit.

Is the pill still free for minors?

Yes. No change on this point: the purchase of the pill remains free and therefore covered 100% by Health Insurance for minors. As a reminder, contraception has been free for young girls aged 15 to 18 since 2013 and for children under 15 since 2020.

Can we get the pill for free in pharmacies?

A prescription is needed to be given a birth control pill (except for the morning after pill). It is dispensed in pharmacies on presentation of this medical prescription and without advance payment for women aged 25 or under. Beyond that, the pill is supported at 65% or less depending on the brand.

What contraceptives are reimbursed by Health Insurance today?

As the site indicates ameli.fr, some contraceptive methods are reimbursable, others are not. Supplementary health insurance can sometimes cover all or part of the costs that are not reimbursed by the Health Insurance.

Are reimbursed in whole or in part:

• Some pills contraceptives, contraceptive implants, the intrauterine devices (IUD) and diaphragms are refundable, without advance of costs, at 100% or 65% depending on age.
• The emergency contraception hormonal (or “morning after pill”), available in pharmacies without a prescription, is reimbursed at 100% or 65% depending on age.
• 2 brands of male condoms, “Eden” and “Get out covered!”, Are covered up to 60% on prescription from a doctor or midwife.

Are not reimbursed:

• certain birth control pills, contraceptive patches, the vaginal rings, the cervical caps dispensed from pharmacies on prescription;
• spermicides and female condoms available in pharmacies without a prescription;
• male condoms (except the 2 brands mentioned above) which are over-the-counter (pharmacies, supermarkets, vending machines, etc.).

Sources:

January 1, 2022: some changes to remember. December 31, 2021. Ministry of Health.

Press release from the Ministry of Health, “From 2022, contraception will be free for women under 25”, September 9, 2021.