Birth Control Resources

Birth control, or contraception, is the use of methods, medications, or devices to prevent pregnancy. If you are looking for birth control, you have several different types to choose from. Bedsider.org has information to help you explore and compare the different options. Your health care provider can help you choose the option that is right for you. If you choose hormonal contraception (such as the birth control pill, vaginal ring, or skin patch), Illinois law allows your provider or pharmacist to give you up to 12 months at one time.  

Emergency contraception is medication or a device that can prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex has occurred. It can prevent pregnancy before it starts.  Some emergency contraception is available over-the-counter at pharmacies, and you do not need a prescription to get it. If you are on a public college campus in Illinois, there may also be a Wellness Kiosk on your campus where you can get “Plan B” or other emergency contraception. You can also get emergency contraceptive pills to have on hand in case you need them later. 

Bedsider.org has tools to help you locate a birth control provider near you. 

In Illinois, you can also get some types of birth control directly at the pharmacy. Some hormonal birth control (like the birth control pill) is now available without an individual prescription at pharmacies in Illinois.  You can also get the OPill in Illinois directly from the pharmacy without a prescription. Ask your pharmacist about your options. 

If you have Medicaid, you have a free choice of providers for birth control and family planning. Even if you are in a HealthChoice Illinois plan, you can go outside of that network to a provider of your choice. You do not need a referral.

If you have private insurance, Illinois law and the ACA require coverage for the full range of FDA-approved contraceptive products at no cost to you. Some insurers may not be covered by this law or may be exempt. Ask your insurer about your coverage.  

If you have Medicaid (including AllKids), your birth control will also be at no cost to you.  

You can also get no-cost birth control and other sexual and reproductive health care through other programs in the state of Illinois, including through temporary, immediate coverage to let you get the care you need when you need it. 

• The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services’ Family Planning Presumptive Eligibility (FPPE) Program provides immediate, temporary, medical coverage for reproductive health and family planning related services to all eligible Illinois residents. 

• HFS Family Planning Program provides ongoing medical coverage for reproductive health and family planning related services to people who do not otherwise qualify for Medicaid. 

More information about these programs is available on the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services’ website. 

The Illinois Department of Public Health’s Illinois Family Planning Program also helps underinsured, uninsured, and insured individuals who may otherwise lack access to health care. You can check out Title X health centers that provide birth control, STD/STI testing and treatment, and more at no cost. You can also access care at Title X health centers if you are traveling from out of state.