Why the cost of birth control pills are rising?

Ten years ago, many college women who bought contraceptives such as birth control pills only spent $7. However, nowadays popular brand names, such as YAZ Birth Control are more than $50 per month. So what has changed?

In 2005, a Deficit Reduction Act was introduced. This Act removed a college health center’s ability to give birth control pills to students at a discounted rate, a service which had been offered for more than 20 years. In 2009, President Barack Obama signed a revised Deficit Reduction Act of 2009, which allowed college health centers to resell discounted contraceptives to students; however, it is dependent on whether drug companies will offer such low prices. So far, no attempts have been made from manufactures to lower their prices for birth control pills. Some pharmacists believe that manufacturers are more interested in spending money on advertising and offering voucher cards than providing discounts. Voucher cards are given to potential buyers for discounts on a certain brand of contraceptive; however, it is only available for a limited amount of time. Manufacturers hope that when these voucher cards expire, patients will keep on buying the product regardless of an increase in the price. Many women are dependent on college health centers for discounted prices of contraceptives since they offer privacy and affordability. Due to the recent increase in price, many women are faced with the decision of involving their parents for insurance coverage or going without contraceptives