CVS pharmacists in Massachusetts can now prescribe birth control. Here’s how it works

Melina Khan

September 13, 2024

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CVS pharmacists in Massachusetts can now prescribe birth control.

The new initiative, which was announced Thursday, allows women in Massachusetts to be evaluated for a hormonal birth control prescription at CVS locations in the state.

In a release, CVS said the new service will help improve access to birth control around the state.

“(Pharmacists) have years of education and experience, and have the clinical ability to provide chronic, acute and preventive services for their patients,” said Jinali Desai, vice president of pharmacy health services at CVS Health, in a release.

Here’s what to know about the new initiative and how it works.

The pharmacy at the CVS Oak Street Health on Rosa Parks Ave., at Fairview Avenue in Montgomery, Ala., on Wednesday September 4, 2024. CVS Oak Street Health is an integrated healthcare format facility for seniors.

CVS pharmacists in MA can now prescribe birth control: how it works

Pharmacists at CVS locations in Massachusetts can now prescribe birth control, an initiative intended to approve access to hormonal contraceptives in the state.

Patients who are interested in getting a birth control prescription at CVS can ask for an evaluation at any Massachusetts location. They will be evaluated by a pharmacist and will receive a birth control prescription if they are clinically eligible.

The evaluation includes a health screening and a blood pressure check.

Who is eligible to be prescribed birth control at CVS?

Birth control prescriptions at CVS are only available for patients 18 and older, the pharmacy said.

Patients who are eligible for a prescription may receive one of several types of hormonal birth control depending on the results of their evaluation, CVS said.

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“Pharmacists can prescribe different types of hormonal contraception depending on a patient’s health screening evaluation and lifestyle, such as the pill and the transdermal patch,” CVS said in a release.

How much does a birth control evaluation at CVS cost?

A birth control prescription consultation at CVS will cost $39 regardless of whether the medication is prescribed, the company said.

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Patients can use HSA or FSA funds to cover the fee.

After receiving a prescription, patients are encouraged to visit their physician for future preventative care visits, CVS said.

This article was originally published by The Cape Cod Times.

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