Access to Emergency Contraception and Abortion Pills at CVS, Rite Aid, and Walgreens
CVS Health Corp. and Rite Aid Corp. pharmacies are limiting purchases of emergency contraceptive pills as demand for the medication surged following the US Supreme Court decision that struck down the constitutional right to abortion. Regarding the current supply, CVS is temporarily limiting purchases to three pills per customer to ensure equitable access and consistent supply on store shelves, a spokesperson said. The pharmacy chain has ample supply of the emergency contraceptives Plan B and Aftera, both online and in store. Similarly, Rite Aid is also limiting purchases of Plan B to three per customer due to increased demand, a spokesperson for the company said.
Abortion Pills at Major U.S. Pharmacies: CVS and Walgreens
With major pharmacy chains like CVS and Walgreens now dispensing abortion pills, access to reproductive care is becoming more convenient in many U.S. states. CVS and Walgreens announced on March 1 that they would begin dispensing the abortion pill mifepristone, also known under its brand name, Mifeprex. Walgreens, a pharmacy giant with about 8,600 locations, completed the process of certification to sell mifepristone with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in January 2023 and plans to begin selling the drug, with plans to expand sales to stores in other states. Mifepristone will be dispensed at CVS pharmacies in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and the company intends to expand the offering to more states as the law allows.
States Where CVS and Walgreens Offer Abortion Pills
As of now, CVS and Walgreens are certified to dispense mifepristone, the first of two pills used in a medication abortion, in over 20 states. These locations include:
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia (D.C.)
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
In these states, patients can obtain abortion pills following a telehealth consultation with a certified healthcare provider. These consultations often allow the prescription to be sent directly to a CVS or Walgreens location for pick-up, offering patients a quick, convenient way to access abortion care.
Costs and Insurance Coverage
The cost of abortion pills varies based on insurance coverage, state Medicaid programs, and out-of-pocket expenses. Here is a breakdown of typical costs:
- Without Insurance: Abortion pills generally range from $350 to $800.
- With Insurance: Many private insurance plans and Medicaid programs in states like California cover the cost of medication abortion.
- Telehealth Services: Without assistance, telehealth consultation and prescription services can be $250, with medications costing $85–$100 depending on the pharmacy.
However, there are hidden costs and challenges that patients don’t anticipate. Travel requirements may mean long travel times as coverage may apply only at certain in-network clinics. Additionally, insurance companies issue Explanation of Benefits (EOBs) to the policyholder, which can unintentionally disclose abortion care to parents or partners on the same plan.
The Legal Landscape and Comparison of Methods
While the FDA has approved the dispensing of mifepristone through certified retail pharmacies, state laws ultimately determine whether pharmacies can offer abortion pills. In more restrictive states like Texas and Missouri, laws have severely limited or completely banned access to medication abortion, preventing retail pharmacies from stocking the pills. Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe, 21 states have banned or restricted abortion.
Comparison: Medication Abortion vs. Surgical Abortion
- Cost: Medication abortion is typically more affordable than surgical abortion.
- Availability: Effective up to 10 weeks of pregnancy.
- Process: The abortion takes place over 24 to 48 hours at home, involving two medications (mifepristone and misoprostol).
- Privacy: Provides more discretion, as it can be done at home, with some pharmacies offering drive-through pick-up.