Implications of dispensing self-administered hormonal contraceptives in a 1-year supply: a California case study

On September 23, 2016, California became the sixth state to pass legislation requiring health plans and insurers to cover a 12-month supply of FDA-approved self-administered hormonal contraceptives such as contraceptive pills, patches and vaginal rings. This legislation is estimated to result in 38% of current contraceptive pill, patch, and ring users receiving a 12-month supply dispensed at one time. This shift in dispensing patterns was estimated to result in a reduction of 15,000 unintended pregnancies; 2000 fewer miscarriages; and 7000 fewer abortions in California decreasing total net health care expenditures by 0.03%. With similar legislation introduced in 17 states, the findings from this study are important for consideration outside of California.