(Source: MIRS.news, Published 10/23/2024) Michiganders would have access to free contraception starting in November and information on how to apply for coverage that includes sexually transmitted infection testing after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced a new program Wednesday
The Take Control of your Birth Control program would be run through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and would come from a $5.6 million budget item.
“We want to make sure that individuals who need and want those tools can easily obtain them, and we are committed to helping people take control of their reproductive health in a way that is both empowered and informed,” said MDHHS Chief Medical Executive Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian.
MDHHS sites across the state would offer condoms, emergency contraception, and over-the-counter oral contraceptives for free to the public on a first-come, first served basis until supplies are gone.
The Take Control of your Birth Control website has a list of the organizations offering the free supplies starting in November.
“Family planning tools are an essential component of public health all Michigan residents should be able to access,” Bagdsarian said.
After supplies are gone, birth control, STI testing and treatment will still be offered through Medicaid and the Plan First insurance programs.
The Plan First program would be available as a limited Medicaid benefit covering family planning services for people who don’t qualify for Medicaid. The monthly income requirements and other requirements are available on the Plan First website.
