How You Can Get a Year of Free Birth Control in 2026
Good news alert! (I think we could all use some of that)
A Montana law (House Bill 302) has been helping make birth control easier to access for a few years now, though many people still haven’t heard of it! The law requires many insurance plans to cover up to a 12-month supply of prescription contraception. Super neat!
That means if your healthcare provider prescribes birth control (like the pill, patch, or ring), your insurance may allow for a year of free birth control!
Why does that matter? Many people can’t afford to pay for birth control on top of all of their other responsibilities!
Why couldn’t I pick up the full year?
Unfortunately, some insurance plans are exempt from this Montana law, including:
Out-of-state insurance plans
Self-funded plans
Employer plans that claim a religious objection to covering birth control
Some Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangement (MEWA) plans
Some federal marketplace plans, including HealthCare.gov, QHP, or SHOP plans
How can I check if my plan is exempt?
A few quick things you can do:
Check your insurance card. If it says self-funded or lists another state, the plan may be exempt and you cannot get a year of free birth control.
Ask your employer what type of plan they offer and whether it claims a religious exemption.
If you have a MEWA plan, you can contact your insurance carrier or the Montana Insurance Commissioner’s Office to confirm.
If you purchased your plan through HealthCare.gov, it’s usually exempt from this specific state law, but the Affordable Care Act may still allow a 12-month supply, so it’s worth asking!!
If your plan isn’t exempt and you’re denied a year’s supply
You still have options:
Check with your pharmacist to make sure the prescription allows a 12-month fill.
Appeal the decision with your insurance company. Instructions are usually in your plan handbook or through customer service.
If needed, file a complaint with the Montana Insurance Commissioner’s Office.
You can do this online: CSIMT.gov
Or, call: 406-444-2040
This law is one small but meaningful step toward making contraception more convenient and accessible for Montanans, and we’re always SO glad to see that.