Planned Parenthood makes economical move and lowers price of birth control by half
By: Andrea Drac
Issue date: 11/9/09 Section: News
Stores, restaurants, and organizations all over America have been lowering their prices due to the economy. Planned Parenthood is no exception. Recently, Planned Parenthood lowered the price of its birth control pills to $12, which is half the price of what they were.
"On average, our normal birth control prices are about $5 less than at most pharmacies, and now we have our half-price pill option," Liz Carroll, Vice President of Patient Services for Planned Parenthood of Indiana, said.
The idea to offer half-price pills started a month and a half ago due to the situation of the economy. According to a press release written by PPIN Media Spokesperson Kate Shepherd, health care should not be put on the back burner during these tough economic times.
According to Shepherd, if people put off annual exams and don't use birth control consistently because of financial concerns, then they become more vulnerable to unintended pregnancy and disease. She believes it's crucial that routine health care becomes a priority.
"We have all been affected by the economic downturn in one way or another and even in these difficult times, Planned Parenthood of Indiana remains committed to providing quality, affordable health care to our patients," Betty Cockrum, PPIN President and CEO, said. Cockrum states "patients have been telling us that affordable birth control is important now more than ever so we're very pleased to be offering these popular birth control pills at a discounted rate to keep health care affordable for our patients."
The half-price pills are available to all patients who come into Planned Parenthood, and up to a year's supply of pills can bought in one visit.
"We are trying to help patients simplify their lives," Carroll said. "Women can get life-saving screenings, quality care and their birth control supplies in one visit, saving time and money."
Aside from offering half-price pills, PPIN also encourages Planned Parenthood patients to take advantage of their We Deliver! Program, a service that allows current and active Planned Parenthood patients to order birth control pills and other contraceptive supplies by phone, fax, U.S. mail or online.
Planned Parenthood also offers other services, such as testing for STDs, pregnancy, HPV vaccines, and pelvic exams.
For those who are financially unable to pay for these services, Planned Parenthood does have help available.
"We have the Recession Rx program in certain markets to help offset costs, as well as our HOPE program," Kate Shepherd said. "We take most forms of insurance and have a number of programs available to help patients who may need help paying for health care. Call your local health center for details on what assistance is available at that site."
No matter what financial situation one may be in, it should not be the reason not to be getting good health care.
"Planned Parenthood of Indiana believes money issues should not prevent anyone from seeking preventive, reproductive health care," Shepherd said.
"On average, our normal birth control prices are about $5 less than at most pharmacies, and now we have our half-price pill option," Liz Carroll, Vice President of Patient Services for Planned Parenthood of Indiana, said.
The idea to offer half-price pills started a month and a half ago due to the situation of the economy. According to a press release written by PPIN Media Spokesperson Kate Shepherd, health care should not be put on the back burner during these tough economic times.
According to Shepherd, if people put off annual exams and don't use birth control consistently because of financial concerns, then they become more vulnerable to unintended pregnancy and disease. She believes it's crucial that routine health care becomes a priority.
"We have all been affected by the economic downturn in one way or another and even in these difficult times, Planned Parenthood of Indiana remains committed to providing quality, affordable health care to our patients," Betty Cockrum, PPIN President and CEO, said. Cockrum states "patients have been telling us that affordable birth control is important now more than ever so we're very pleased to be offering these popular birth control pills at a discounted rate to keep health care affordable for our patients."
The half-price pills are available to all patients who come into Planned Parenthood, and up to a year's supply of pills can bought in one visit.
"We are trying to help patients simplify their lives," Carroll said. "Women can get life-saving screenings, quality care and their birth control supplies in one visit, saving time and money."
Aside from offering half-price pills, PPIN also encourages Planned Parenthood patients to take advantage of their We Deliver! Program, a service that allows current and active Planned Parenthood patients to order birth control pills and other contraceptive supplies by phone, fax, U.S. mail or online.
Planned Parenthood also offers other services, such as testing for STDs, pregnancy, HPV vaccines, and pelvic exams.
For those who are financially unable to pay for these services, Planned Parenthood does have help available.
"We have the Recession Rx program in certain markets to help offset costs, as well as our HOPE program," Kate Shepherd said. "We take most forms of insurance and have a number of programs available to help patients who may need help paying for health care. Call your local health center for details on what assistance is available at that site."
No matter what financial situation one may be in, it should not be the reason not to be getting good health care.
"Planned Parenthood of Indiana believes money issues should not prevent anyone from seeking preventive, reproductive health care," Shepherd said.
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