How to access contraceptives in Wisconsin:
A Guide
Step 1: Know your rights
Birth control is a safe way to prevent pregnancy and is legal in the state of Wisconsin. See this link for more information about the legality of birth control under Wisconsin State Law.
Under the Affordable Care Act of 2010, birth control should be covered under most healthcare plans at no cost to the patient. This includes both hormonal and non-hormonal options. See this link for more birth control laws under the ACA.
Step 2: Determine which type of contraceptive is right for you
Planned Parenthood's website includes a list of 18 birth control options. Click any of the options on the site for more information about each.
Planned Parenthood also offers a Birth Control Quiz. You can take the quiz and it will give you a recommendation based on your choices.
Birth control is used by people whose identities span the gender-identity spectrum. For more information about birth control use across the gender spectrum see this resource from the Reproductive Health Access Project.
Step 3: (a) Consult with your insurance provider about what is covered OR (b) find a low/no-cost option via a public program.
(a) Most healthcare plans cover birth control at no cost to you. Contact your insurance provider to determine if birth control is covered by your plan. Once you have determined that your birth control is covered you can start looking for a clinic (see step 4).
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(b) If your plan does not cover birth control or you do not have health insurance, there are still ways to gain access to no-cost birth control. Some residents of Wisconsin may qualify for one of the following public programs. Click the icon for more details about each program including a list of qualifications, and a link to more information from the program's official site.
You may be eligible to receive birth control for a year, delivered right to you, at no cost to you through Planned Parenthood's Quarterly Contraceptive Kit (QCK) program.
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The QCK kit includes:
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Your birth control method (pills, patch, or Nuva Ring)
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Latex condoms
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Emergency contraception
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You may also be eligible for no-cost health care services including annual exams, STD and HIV testing, pregnancy testing, and more.
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For more information about eligibility requirements and how to get your kit, see Planned Parenthood's website.
Title X is a federal program that provides a range of family planning services. These services are provided regardless of patients’ ability to pay and clinics charge for services on a sliding fee scale. There are more than 3,200 Title X in the United States. In Wisconsin, most Title X clinics are at local health departments. To find a clinic near you see the official Title X Clinic Locator by putting you zip code in the tool below.
The Family Planning Only Services Program is through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. The program provides low to no-cost sexual and reproductive health care for people with limited income to prevent unplanned pregnancies. Benefits include contraceptive services and supplies, tests, and treatments for sexually transmitted diseases, and routine preventive services related to family planning.
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What’s covered:
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Contraceptive services and supplies (such as birth control pills and condoms),
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Limited vaccines (such as those for HPV and mpox),
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Natural family planning supplies (such as items to track fertility)
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Routine primary preventive services that are related to family planning (such as pap tests)
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Tests and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases (such as chlamydia, herpes, gonorrhea, and syphilis) and certain other lab tests
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Voluntary sterilizations (tubal ligation and vasectomies) for those 21 years old or older.
People who need coverage quickly can apply for “Express Enrollment.” Express Enrollment allows you to get the benefits you need while your program application is being completed and processed. For more information and eligibility requirements see this link to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website.
Step 4: Speak to your doctor OR find a clinic near you
If you have access to a primary care doctor, consult with them about getting a prescription for birth control. They will be able to provide a prescription following a consultation.
Planned Parenthood Wisconsin offers a wide range of contraceptive methods. If you live near a Planned Parenthood Clinic this is a great place to start. There are 22 Planned Parenthood clinics in Wisconsin. See this link, and input your address in the "make an appointment" section to see the nearest Planned Parenthood clinic to you.
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If you are not near a Planned Parenthood, or you are looking to access care through the Title X program, see this link to find the nearest clinic to you. Most Title X clinics in Wisconsin are located at local health departments. Once you have found a clinic you can access, call them to make an appointment for a consultation.
