What Does an IUD Cost, and When Is It Free?
The cost of an IUD (intrauterine device) is free for most people who have health insurance.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires most health insurance plans to fully cover IUDs and other women's birth control, even if you haven't met your deductible.
If you don't have insurance, the cost of an IUD is typically between $500 and $1,300. Clinics and device manufacturers offer discounts to help lower or eliminate costs.
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How much does an IUD cost?
If you have insurance, you usually won't pay anything for the IUD device, placement, monitoring and removal.
An IUD is a small, T-shaped device that's placed in the uterus and can prevent pregnancy for up to 10 years, depending on the brand.
Insurance companies are required to fully cover the cost of many types of birth control, as well as any medical services related to the birth control.
As a part of providing an IUD, the doctor will usually screen for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) which are usually fully covered as a part of an insurance plan's preventive care benefits.
This means that you won't pay anything for:
- Discussion of birth control options
- Health screenings
- Appointment to insert IUD
- IUD device
- Ultrasound to confirm IUD placement
- Follow-ups to monitor the IUD
- Removal of IUD
How do insurance companies limit or restrict IUD coverage?
Insurance companies may require prior authorization before they'll pay for an IUD, or you may need to try a cheaper option first. However, insurance companies are not allowed to restrict your access to IUDs or make it difficult to get coverage.
Health insurance coverage of IUDs is only required for plans that are ACA-compliant and provide the minimum essential health benefits. You won't have the same birth control coverage with short-term plans, indemnity insurance or other types of plans that aren't compliant with the ACA.
Even though IUDs should be free with insurance, many women say they are still being charged or denied coverage. As a result, several government agencies reminded insurance companies that birth control must be covered.
- If you get health insurance through your job and the plan is not fully covering birth control costs, contact the U.S. Department of Labor at 866-444-3272 or askebsa.dol.gov.
- For help appealing insurance coverage denials for birth control, contact the National Women's Law Center.
What types of IUDs are free?
Health insurance companies are required to fully cover the copper IUD (Paragard) and at least one of the brands of hormonal IUDs (Kyleena, Liletta, Mirena, Skyla).
That's because plans are required to cover at least one of each type of women's contraception in the FDA Birth Control Guide, which lists both copper and hormonal IUDs.
Many health insurance plans will choose to cover more than one brand of hormonal IUD. However, checking which brands you have coverage for can help you pay less.
If your doctor recommends you use an IUD brand that's not covered by your insurance plan, the insurance company must make an exception. The alternate brand of IUD must be fully covered by your insurance company when it's medically necessary.
For example, your health insurance may initially only cover one brand of hormonal IUD. However, if you have side effects and your doctor recommends you switch brands, your insurance plan must let you switch to another brand for free.
How much does an IUD cost without insurance?
Without insurance, an IUD can cost between $500 and $1,300, according to Planned Parenthood.
You can lower the cost of an IUD if you don't have insurance.
- Sign up for Medicaid: If you have a low income, you may qualify for Medicaid, which will usually give you coverage for a free IUD.
- Visit a low-cost clinic: Free, low-cost or sliding-scale birth control is available at many medical facilities including Planned Parenthood, local health departments, college health centers and charitable clinics, which can be found through a clinic locator tool.
Many IUD manufacturers also offer discounts on their devices. So if you can afford the medical care and need help paying for the device, a manufacturer program can help.
IUD | Manufacturer discounts |
|---|---|
| Kyleena | $20 IUD through the copay program Free IUD through the Bayer Patient Assistance Foundation |
| Liletta | $100 IUD through the Liletta Patient Savings Program |
| Mirena | $20 IUD through the copay program Free IUD through the Bayer Patient Assistance Foundation |
| Paragard | No discount |
| Skyla | Free or discounted IUD through the Bayer Patient Assistance Foundation |
In all cases, you have to meet the program's terms to qualify.
How much does an IUD removal cost?
If you have insurance, IUD removal is free. There are no copays or deductibles.
If you don't have health insurance or Medicaid, IUD removal could cost up to $250. However, many clinics will offer discounted or free IUD removal for those who can't afford it.
Frequently asked questions
How much do IUDs cost?
Most people won't pay anything for an IUD because health insurance will fully cover the cost of birth control. However, getting an IUD can cost between $500 and $1,300 if you don't have health insurance and don't qualify for other discounts.
Is an IUD covered by insurance?
Yes, IUDs are fully covered by most health insurance plans. That means even if you haven't paid your deductible yet, you won't pay anything for the device, insertion, monitoring and removal.
Are copper IUDs covered by insurance?
Yes, copper IUDs are fully covered by health insurance plans that are compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This means the device, insertion, monitoring and removal are free, even if you haven't met your plan's deductible.
Sources
HealthCare.gov and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services provided information about the Affordable Care Act's guidelines on IUDs and contraception. The cost of an IUD for people who don't have insurance is from Planned Parenthood.
Additional information about insurance coverage issues is from the National Women's Law Center and the Department of Labor. Information about IUD discount programs is from device manufacturers.
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