WOONSOCKET – CVS Health Corp. recently announced that CVS Pharmacy locations in Massachusetts are offering hormonal contraceptive prescribing services.
Those interested in receiving birth control can be evaluated by CVS pharmacists and, if eligible, receive a prescription for birth control.
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The announcement comes as millions of women in the U.S. live in what’s known as contraceptive deserts, or areas where there’s insufficient access to birth control. Also, studies show 1 in 3 women say they have difficulty getting birth control prescriptions.
“Pharmacists are trusted and accessible health care providers who do much more than fill prescriptions,” said Jinali Desai, president of pharmacy health services for CVS Health. “They have years of education and experience, and have the clinical ability to provide chronic, acute and preventive services for their patients. We’re pleased to introduce this new service in Massachusetts to help increase access to birth control and further support women’s unique health care needs.”
The hormonal contraceptive prescribing was authorized as part of the Mass. 2024 state budget, which was signed in August 2023 and sponsored by Sen. Michael Moore, D-Millbury, as well as Rep. Christine Barber, D-Somerville, and Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa, D-Northampton.
Those interested in birth control can visit any CVS Pharmacy in Massachusetts and ask for a consultation with a pharmacist. The patient will then be asked to complete a health screening form and check their blood pressure.
Next, a pharmacist will go over the results of the health screen and determine if the patient is eligible to receive birth control at the pharmacy. If so, the pharmacist will review birth control options that are available.
Patients 18 and older are eligible for a consultation with CVS pharmacists but only certain patients are eligible to receive a prescription. A consultation will cost $39 regardless if medication was prescribed. Patients can use their health savings or flexible spending account funds to cover the assessment. Any cost or copay for birth control depends on the patient’s prescription insurance coverage.
The service is also offered at CVS Pharmacy locations in California, Hawaii, Idaho, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, Washington and Wisconsin.
Katie Castellani is a PBN staff writer. You may contact her at Castellani@PBN.com.
