Free Birth Control Now Offered by Health Insurance

Starting today, you won't have to pay a dime to prevent pregnancy, if you are covered by private insurance.

Part of President Obama’s controversial Affordable Care Act that passed two years ago goes into effect today, requiring health insurance companies to cover birth control with no deductible or co-pay. Along with free contraception, services like gestational diabetes screenings, breastfeeding supplies and counseling, and HPV DNA testing for women 30 or older will also be required coverage by health insurance companies. ABC Action News reports that according to the Department of Health and Human Services, about 47 million women are now eligible for free access to these services.

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However, keep in mind, the requirements don’t actually go into effect until you renew your insurance plan, which for many is not until year-end.