How much is Annovera without insurance?

Is Annovera covered by insurance? | How much does Annovera cost without insurance? | How to get Annovera without insurance

Annovera is a hormonal birth control ring that is inserted into the vagina. Over the course of three weeks, the vagina ring steadily releases two female hormones, segesterone acetate, a progestin, and ethinyl estradiol, an estrogen. Together, these hormones prevent ovulation and pregnancy. After three weeks, the ring is removed for one week to allow for a period or withdrawal bleed. 

Annovera can be reused each month for up to one year, making it the only year-long contraceptive that does not require an insertion procedure by a healthcare professional. While Annovera is effective in reducing the risk of pregnancy, it does not prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

The price of Annovera is usually higher than that of NuvaRing, another hormonal vaginal ring, and other brand-name oral contraceptives. However, Annovera comes as a yearly supply, whereas NuvaRing and oral contraceptives only come in one-month supplies. Therefore, the price of Annovera and other contraceptives may be similar when comparing the price over one year. The only caveat with Annovera is that it needs to be paid for upfront, which can be unaffordable for some people. Fortunately, there are ways to lower the cost of Annovera.

What is the brand/generic for Annovera?

Annovera is only available as a brand-name drug. There are no generic vaginal rings that contain the same ingredients as Annovera, or that can be used for a full year. NuvaRing is a similar brand-name vaginal ring that contains etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol. Each one-month supply of NuvaRing costs $208 on average, so a year’s supply of NuvaRing costs about the same as a year’s supply of an Annovera ring. However, unlike Annovera, NuvaRing is available in a cheaper, generic version.  

Is Annovera covered by insurance?

Most health insurance plans are required to provide coverage for birth control, including Annovera and other hormonal birth control methods. The only exception is Medicare. Annovera is not typically covered by Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans. However, some Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage plans offer coverage for birth control to women of reproductive age with certain health conditions or permanent disabilities. Original Medicare (Part A and B) does not cover birth control. 

How much does Annovera cost without insurance?

The out-of-pocket cost of Annovera is usually $0 with insurance, as mandated in the Affordable Care Act. However, this may not always be the case. The copay or coinsurance amount will vary depending on the insurance provider. 

Without insurance, an Annovera vaginal ring will typically cost $2,670, but the ring can be reused for up to 12 months. No refills are required. If used for a full year, the average monthly cost of Annovera is about $220, a price that compares favorably with other forms of hormonal birth control. 

There are a few issues to consider, though. First, the full year’s cost of Annovera is paid upfront, which may be harder to manage than the monthly cost of refills. Second, women may be able to find significant cost savings for other forms of birth control—such as birth control pills—that are not easily available for Annovera. It’s important to note that if Annovera is damaged or lost before the end of 12 months, the manufacturer, TherapeuticsMD, will replace it for free one time. If a second replacement is needed, women without insurance will have to pay its full retail price. These factors should be considered when determining whether Annovera is worth the cost. 

Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing. The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name drugs. The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available. Click the link under “Savings options” to see updated drug prices.

How to get Annovera without insurance

Annovera not only costs over $200 per month on average, but the entire cost of a year of Annovera typically has to be paid upfront. That may be a challenge for some people without health insurance. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the retail cost, starting with a SingleCare discount card.

1. Purchase Annovera with a SingleCare discount card

A SingleCare savings card downloaded from the Annovera coupon page can reduce the cost of Annovera from an average of $2,670 to a discounted price as low as $1,980, a savings of almost $700. 

2. Consider Medicaid

Some Medicaid plans may cover most, if not all, of the cost of hormonal vaginal rings. If Annovera is not covered by a Medicaid plan, other hormonal vaginal rings may be covered. You can find eligibility requirements, enrollment information, and birth control coverage on your state’s Medicaid site.

3. Visit Planned Parenthood

Planned Parenthood clinics offer a range of birth control and women’s reproductive health services. Uninsured women may be able to purchase Annovera or similar vaginal rings at a significant discount. Other hormonal birth control options may be offered at a lower cost. 

4. Visit a local 340B provider

Some hospitals, clinics, and other facilities are federally approved to provide safety-net healthcare services. These organizations, known as 340B providers, may offer birth control at discounted prices. Eligibility depends on income level, so call the city or county health department for eligibility requirements and a list of local 340B providers.

5. Consider other types of birth control

If Annovera is still expensive after using available savings options, consider requesting alternative FDA-approved birth control methods. Hormonal contraceptives, hormonal implants, and IUDs are similar in effectiveness to vaginal systems like Annovera. Some options may be free or low-cost at community health clinics, reproductive health clinics, women’s health clinics, or similar facilities. Before committing to a different type of birth control, consult a healthcare provider for medical advice about the proper use, potential side effects, and other precautions regarding Annovera alternatives.