Generally, yes it does, if it is a “fully insured” plan. These plans are required to provide, without cost sharing, access to all FDA-approved contraceptive methods, sterilization procedures, and patient education and counseling prescribed by a health care provider.

If your student health plan is “self-insured”, whether contraceptive services are covered is up to the state that you live in. Check with your college or university to find out what type of student health plan they offer or contact your state insurance department to find out what rules apply to your student health coverage.

Additionally, if your college or university has a religious or moral objection to covering birth control, it may have opted to exclude it. If your plan does not cover birth control, you have several options. Some family planning clinics offer free or reduced cost birth control for people with low and modest incomes. Check with your local family planning clinic to see if you qualify.

Alternatively, you can check if you are eligible to enroll as a dependent on your parent’s health insurance plan (if you’re under 26) or you can also consider buying coverage on your own through the Marketplace. Depending on your income, you may be eligible for financial assistance to purchase a Marketplace plan. If you have a very low income, you might be eligible for Medicaid. Check with your state Marketplace to see if you may be eligible for Medicaid or for financial assistance on the Marketplace.