Viagra and birth control coverage

The issue of health insurance companies covering Viagra while not covering prescription contraceptives has been a long-standing point of contention. The debate gained momentum as more and more people started questioning the reasons behind this disparity in coverage.

Viagra as a medical drug: the reason for insurance coverage

The argument for Viagra coverage is that it's a medical drug that treats a medical condition, namely erectile dysfunction. As a result, many insurance companies consider it medically necessary and choose to cover it.

Birth control classification: the "lifestyle drug" perspective

On the other hand, contraceptives are often considered "lifestyle drugs" that are not medically necessary. This classification has led many employers and insurance companies to maintain that contraceptives do not warrant coverage.

Medical purposes of oral contraceptives

However, it is essential to note that many women take oral contraceptives for medical purposes, such as preventing uterine bleeding. This fact undermines the argument that contraceptives are merely "lifestyle drugs" without medical necessity.

The controversy and outrage among women's groups

The disparity in insurance coverage for Viagra and contraceptives has caused controversy and outrage among women's groups, who argue that this imbalance is unfair and discriminatory.

The 1994 Guttmacher Institute study on insurance policies

A study by the Guttmacher Institute in 1994 revealed that only half of large-group insurance policies covered contraceptives, even though 97% of them covered prescription drugs. This discrepancy further highlights the inequality in coverage for contraceptives compared to other medications.

Comparing coverage: Viagra and birth control

While Viagra is often covered by insurance, it is important to note that it is not necessarily more accessible than birth control. In fact, birth control is often covered by insurance more times than erectile dysfunction medication.

The fight for contraception coverage under insurance plans

The debate over insurance coverage for contraceptives versus Viagra has given momentum to the fight for contraception coverage under insurance plans. Women's groups say they are making significant progress in their battle to get reimbursed for birth control.

Insurance companies' arguments: premiums and costs

Insurance companies argue that covering contraception will increase premiums and costs.

However, this perspective is challenged by women's health advocates.

Women's health advocates' perspective: long-term savings

Women's health advocates argue that covering contraception saves money in the long term by preventing unintended pregnancies and health care-related costs. They contend that insurance coverage for contraceptives would ultimately be more cost-effective than not providing coverage.

1 The ongoing debate and future prospects

The debate over insurance coverage for Viagra and birth control continues, with both sides presenting valid arguments. As women's groups continue to advocate for fair coverage of contraceptives, it remains to be seen how insurance companies and employers will respond to these demands in the future.