Does insurance cover Viagra and not birth control?

Asked by: Eladio Franecki  |  Last update: December 5, 2025
Score: 5/5 (4 votes)

The debate over insurance coverage for contraceptives intensified when it became known that some insurers covered Viagra but not contraceptives. Some state-level attempts to mandate such coverage have been successful, but federal laws have not passed, despite repeated attempts.

Why is Viagra covered by insurance and not birth control?

The argument for Viagra coverage is that it's a medical drug that treats a medical condition, whereas contraceptives are considered “lifestyle drugs” that are not medically necessary—though Baker pointed out that many women take oral contraceptives for medical purposes, such as to prevent uterine bleeding.

Will my insurance cover Viagra?

Commercial health insurance plans do not typically cover brand-name ED drugs like Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, and Stendra. Insurance is more likely to cover the generic version of these medications (sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil).

What to do if insurance doesn't cover birth control?

Another option is Planned Parenthood, a nonprofit organization. They may be able to help you receive free birth control without insurance, or help you obtain low-cost birth control, depending on your income. It also can provide information on other resources in your area.

How much is Viagra without insurance?

Different vendors and pharmacies offer Viagra for varying prices. According to GoodRx, a website that aggregates current prices and discounts for medications, a 30-pill supply of 100 mg of Viagra can range from $2,600 to $3,500 without insurance, which breaks down to about $86 to $116 per dose.

Insurers Must Cover Birth Control With No Copays

36 related questions found

Will 100mg of Viagra make you harder than 50mg?

Conclusion: Men with erectile dysfunction treated with 100-mg compared with 50-mg sildenafil may be more likely to achieve a greater improvement in erectile function and, within the first 2 weeks, completely hard and fully rigid erections, with little or no greater risk to tolerability.

How much does Viagra cost at CVS?

How much is Viagra at CVS? As of October 2024, Viagra costs $92.98 for one 25-mg pill at CVS. Sildenafil, the generic version of this drug, costs $18.47 for the same quantity and dosage.

Is birth control no longer free with insurance?

Because of the Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare), most insurance plans must cover all methods of birth control at no cost to you, including the pill. However, some plans only cover certain brands of pills or generic versions. Your health insurance provider can tell you which types of birth control they pay for.

What is the health insurance gaslighting?

Medical gaslighting describes when health care professionals seem to invalidate or ignore your concerns. It can be linked to missed diagnoses, delayed treatment, and poor health outcomes. It might damage your trust in the health care system and make you less likely to seek care.

Are vasectomies covered by insurance?

Many private insurance plans, most Medicaid programs, and some Medicare Advantage plans cover vasectomy. But original Medicare does not unless your procedure is deemed medically necessary to treat an illness or injury. Vasectomy is also simpler, safer, faster, and less expensive than female surgical sterilization.

How much should I expect to pay for Viagra?

Here's what to remember about Viagra prices: Brand-name Viagra is more expensive than generic sildenafil. In general, you can expect to pay $65 to $140 per tablet for brand-name Viagra and $4 to $10 per tablet for sildenafil. ED meds might be covered by insurance.

What to do if you can't afford Viagra?

Ways to save on Viagra
  1. Check your insurance coverage. Insurance companies are more strict about covering brand-name medications than cheaper generics. ...
  2. Use a GoodRx coupon. Insurance isn't your only option to save. ...
  3. Ask your doctor about a larger prescription. ...
  4. Talk to your provider about alternative medications.

Can I just ask my doctor for Viagra?

To get Viagra, you need a prescription from a healthcare provider. When you talk to your provider, they will ask you questions about your health (including your sexual health). This helps them decide whether Viagra could be a safe and effective medication for you to try.

Why is erectile dysfunction not covered by insurance?

Health insurance companies often base their coverage decisions on whether a treatment is deemed medically necessary. In the case of erectile dysfunction (ED), the treatment must be considered essential for your overall health and well-being.

How to get Viagra with insurance?

Many insurance companies won't automatically cover brand-name drugs if a generic is available. If your plan doesn't cover sildenafil either, you may be able to submit an appeal for coverage or obtain a prior authorization to get the prescription covered.

How to tell if your doctor is gaslighting you?

If persistent concerns are constantly attributed to your weight, mental health, or stress levels, that could be another sign you're being gaslighted. You might also hear your provider use phrases like “it's all in your head” or “it's not that bad” to minimize your concerns.

Is gaslighting illegal?

If someone manipulates you into doubting your own beliefs or sanity, this is called gaslighting. Gaslighting can occur in any relationship (or friendship) and it's important to know that's it's not okay. Gaslighting is a form of coercive control and is illegal, find out more about the law says below.

Why is women's pain not taken seriously?

Pervasive gender stereotypes are a key reason women's pain is underestimated. These widely held stereotypes – held even by healthcare professionals – construct men as “stoic” and women as “emotionally expressive” when in pain.

Is it legal for insurance to not cover birth control?

Plans in the Health Insurance Marketplace ® must cover contraceptive methods and counseling for all women, as prescribed by a health care provider.

How to get the pill for free?

You can get contraception free of charge, even if you're under 16, from:
  1. most contraception clinics.
  2. most sexual health or genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics.
  3. some GP surgeries.
  4. some young people's services.

Does Blue Cross insurance cover birth control?

The preventive contraceptive benefit includes one annual contraceptive counseling visit and certain contraceptive types (as prescribed, when provided in-network), for women between the ages of 12-65.

Does Viagra stop you from coming early?

Premature ejaculation has a number of possible causes, such as performance anxiety, increased sensitivity, and heightened stress levels. However, lack of blood flow to the penis does not cause you to orgasm too quickly, so Viagra isn't an effective treatment for premature ejaculation.

Is Friday Plans Viagra legit?

The platform's physicians are all US-licensed and authorized to prescribe ED medication via telemedicine. Furthermore, Friday Plans only provides FDA-approved Generic Viagra, ensuring the purity and potency of the medication.