Birth control supply
12-month supply
ACCESS, a Massachusetts law, means eligible patients can be prescribed and receive 12 months of birth control (hormonal contraception) at one time, with no deductible, copayment or coinsurance, after an initial three months on the same prescription birth control.
- The law covers a 12-month supply of the pill, patches, rings, or injectable birth control
- Health insurance plans must cover at least one contraceptive drug, device or other product within each FDA-approved contraceptive method category with no form of step therapy or prior authorization
To be eligible to receive 12 months of birth control at one time, patients must:
- Be on a health insurance plan that is subject to Massachusetts law.
- Plans subject to Massachusetts law include fully insured health insurance plans, like MassHealth and those purchased on the MA Health Connector, as well as plans purchased through the MA Group Insurance Commission (GIC)
- Complete a three-month trial of the same prescription birth control if they have not been on it already.
A March 2025 standing order also allows pharmacists to dispense up to a 365-day supply of OTC oral hormonal contraceptives, specifically norgestrel 0.075 mg tablets (Opill®), to MassHealth members and Health Safety Net (HSN) patients. Patients can find out if they are on an eligible health insurance plan by contacting their health insurance company.
Pharmacist prescribing and dispensing
In addition, Massachusetts Law enables pharmacists, who are clinically eligible, to prescribe emergency contraception and birth control.
- Refer to circular letter DCP 23-10-121 for all prescribing requirements
- Courses like the Massachusetts Contraception Services Training Program provide the education required by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy
Emergency contraception
Standing order
As of August 4, 2022, pharmacists can dispense emergency contraception pills through the statewide standing order, pursuant to chapter 127 of the acts of 2022, An Act Expanding Protections for Reproductive and Gender-Affirming Care.
If you have further questions about the standing order, email pharmacy.admin@massmail.state.ma.us.
Pharmacist prescribing and dispensing
Massachusetts law enables pharmacists, who are clinically eligible, to prescribe birth control and emergency contraception.
- Refer to circular letter DCP 23-10-121 for all prescribing requirements
- Courses like the Massachusetts Contraception Services Training Program provide the education required by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy
No-cost billing
According to the ACCESS law, eligible patients can receive FDA-approved emergency contraception at no cost when billed through insurance. Patients without a prescription from their clinician can receive emergency contraception pills through the statewide standing order at the pharmacy.
- This not only includes levonorgestrel (e.g., Plan B One-Step®, Next Choice™, My Way®, etc.), but also ulipristal acetate (ella®) which is more effective for people that weigh over 165 pounds and can be used up to five days after unprotected sex
Continuing education credits
The Department of Public Health launched an online course on ACCESS with the MGH Institute of Health Professions. This course offers 2.5 continuing education credits at no cost for MA physicians, nurse practitioners, physician associates, and pharmacists. Enroll at Mghihp.edu/fulfilling-promise-access.
Why ACCESS matters
According to a market research survey* conducted in January 2022:
- 86% of eligible people polled are interested in receiving a 12-month supply of birth control at one time, but only half were aware that this is an option for them
- 84% of eligible people who learned about getting emergency contraception at no cost were more likely to get it
Becoming a certified prescriber and sharing information about ACCESS law benefits can mean fewer gaps in patient care and contraceptive coverage.
Additional resources
Pharmacists can learn what to expect when they receive 12-month prescriptions by reviewing the FAQ written by the MA Division of Insurance: Massachusetts ACCESS Law Common Questions and Answers (Q&A). Please note:
- Some pharmacists who have tried to fill the 12-month prescription may also not have enough supply in stock at the pharmacy. Notify your patients to come back for the remaining supply when available.
- Pharmacy regulations do not permit a prescription to be written for a term of more than one year—the patient will need separate prescriptions for the trial period and the 12-month supply.
Want to share information about the ACCESS law? Download and/or print a flyer for pharmacists.