Birth control cost: how to get it free or pay less in Illinois

If you have insurance

Health Insurance Marketplace plans must cover contraceptive methods and counseling for women, as prescribed by a health care provider, without a copayment or coinsurance when you use an in-network provider, even before you meet your deductible (HealthCare.gov). Covered methods include:

• Barrier methods, like diaphragms and sponges.
• Hormonal methods, like birth control pills and vaginal rings.
• Implanted devices, like IUDs.
• Emergency contraception, like Plan B and ella.
• Sterilization procedures, plus patient education and counseling (HealthCare.gov).

Some exceptions apply. Plans sponsored by certain religious employers, like houses of worship, don’t have to cover birth control, and for some non-profit religious organizations an insurer or third party pays for it separately. Plans also don’t have to cover vasectomies (HealthCare.gov). If you’re charged a copay for a covered method, ask your plan whether a generic version is covered at no cost.

Illinois pharmacists can prescribe it

Under an Illinois Department of Public Health standing order, pharmacists who complete approved training can provide prescription birth control directly, without a separate doctor visit. An updated order in June 2026 added non-hormonal prescription methods and emergency contraception (IDPH).

• You’ll fill out a self-screening health questionnaire, and the pharmacist checks that the method is safe for you. If it isn’t, they refer you to a doctor or other provider (IDPH).
• Pharmacists can dispense up to a 12-month supply of a self-administered prescription method, such as the pill, patch or ring (standing order).
• The current order runs from June 24, 2026 to June 23, 2027 (standing order). Call ahead, since not every pharmacist has completed the training.

Over-the-counter options

• Opill. In 2023 the FDA approved Opill (norgestrel), a progestin-only daily pill, as the first daily oral contraceptive sold without a prescription. It must be taken at the same time every day, and it isn’t for emergency use (FDA).
• Plan B One-Step. This levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive is sold over the counter without age restrictions. FDA says to take it as soon as possible within 72 hours after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. It’s a backup, not for regular use (FDA).
• Generic levonorgestrel emergency pills are usually cheaper than the brand, so compare prices (FDA).
• Birth control pills don’t protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections. Use condoms for that (FDA).

If you’re uninsured

• Title X clinics. Federally funded family planning clinics provide confidential services regardless of your ability to pay (HHS Office of Population Affairs). IDPH says Illinois’ Title X program gives more than 100,000 people access to reproductive health services at low or no cost (IDPH).
• Community health centers. HRSA-funded health centers charge on a sliding fee based on income. Find one near you.
• Get covered. Illinois open enrollment for 2027 plans runs November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027 at Get Covered Illinois. See our Illinois health insurance guide.
• Ask for a generic. The FDA says approved generics work the same way as the brand and usually cost less (FDA). Many pill brands have generic versions, so check the generic name on your label.
• Buying online? The FDA says to use only state-licensed pharmacies that require a prescription for prescription drugs (FDA BeSafeRx).

Illinois’ reproductive health site has more birth control resources. For other medicines, see prescriptions without insurance and how discount cards work.