Medical Purposes of Oral Contraceptives

Oral contraceptives, often referred to as birth control pills, are primarily prescribed for pregnancy prevention. However, they also have a variety of other medical purposes. These medications can be used to manage conditions like uterine bleeding, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, and hormonal imbalances. Despite their range of uses, insurance coverage for oral contraceptives remains a point of contention.

Women's Health Advocates' Perspective: Long-Term Savings

Women's health advocates often argue that insurance coverage for birth control would result in significant long-term savings. Notably, preventing unintended pregnancies can drastically reduce health care-related costs. Birth control also mitigates the risks associated with high-risk pregnancies and childbirth, reducing both immediate and long-term healthcare expenses.

The Controversy and Outrage Among Women's Groups

The disparity in insurance coverage for Viagra, an erectile dysfunction medication, and birth control has sparked controversy and outrage among women's groups. They argue that the lack of insurance coverage for birth control reflects a systemic disregard for women's healthcare needs and rights.

Comparing Coverage: Viagra and Birth Control

Viagra, an erectile dysfunction medication, is widely covered by insurance plans, which women's groups point out as a stark contrast to the limited coverage offered for birth control. Coverage of Viagra underlines the insurance industry's focus on treating medical conditions traditionally associated with men, while often overlooking women-specific healthcare needs like contraception.

Viagra as a Medical Drug: The Reason for Insurance Coverage

Viagra is considered a prescription drug necessary to treat a medical condition, erectile dysfunction. As a result, many insurance companies provide coverage for this medication. Insurance providers typically cover prescription drugs needed to address a recognized medical condition, and erectile dysfunction falls into this category.

The Fight for Contraception Coverage Under Insurance Plans

The fight for contraception coverage has been ongoing. Advocates for women's health argue that contraception is not just a lifestyle choice but an essential part of healthcare. It's not merely about preventing pregnancy but also about managing various health conditions that impact women.

Insurance Companies' Arguments: Premiums and Costs

On the other hand, insurance companies often argue that covering birth control would lead to increased premiums and costs. They view contraception as a preventive measure rather than a treatment for a medical condition, which makes it categorically different from medications like Viagra in their perspective.

The 1994 Guttmacher Institute Study on Insurance Policies

A study conducted by the Guttmacher Institute in 1994 found that large-group insurance policies often did not cover oral contraceptives, even though they covered most other prescription drugs. This disparity in coverage underscores the long-standing issue of unequal treatment of women's healthcare needs in insurance policies.

Birth Control Classification: The "Lifestyle Drug" Perspective

Birth control is often classified by insurers and critics as a "lifestyle drug," similar to weight-loss or hair-loss medications, which are typically not covered by insurance. This classification contributes to the resistance against insurance coverage for contraception, despite the essential role it plays in women's healthcare.

The Ongoing Debate and Future Prospects

The debate over why Viagra is covered by insurance but not birth control is ongoing and complex. It represents the intersection of healthcare, gender equality, and economic policy. As the fight for equitable coverage continues, it's crucial to keep these discussions in the forefront. Future prospects depend on our ability to address these disparities and create a healthcare system that equally serves all its members.

In response to some frequently asked questions:

1. Can you take Viagra if you're on birth control? - Yes, it's generally safe to take Viagra while on birth control. However, as with any medication, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider first.
2. What is the cost of Viagra compared to birth control? - The cost can vary depending on the specific type of birth control or Viagra dosage, but typically, Viagra is more expensive than birth control.
3. Are Viagra pills covered by insurance? - Yes, most insurance plans cover Viagra because it's a prescription drug used to treat a medical condition.
4. What is the current status of birth control coverage under insurance plans? - As of now, coverage varies significantly. Some plans cover birth control, but many still do not.
5. Why are erectile dysfunction drugs not covered by insurance? - Most erectile dysfunction drugs, including Viagra, are often covered by insurance.
6. Is Viagra more expensive than birth control? - Yes, typically Viagra is more expensive.
7. What is the argument against covering birth control? - The primary argument is that insurance should cover treatments for medical conditions, and some consider birth control as a preventive measure or "lifestyle drug," rather than a treatment.
8. Why is Viagra covered by insurance and not birth control? - This is largely due to how insurance companies classify these drugs. Viagra is considered a treatment for a medical condition (erectile dysfunction), whereas birth control is often classified as a "lifestyle drug" or preventive measure.