MADISON, Wis. — BadgerCare Plus members can now get over-the-counter emergency contraception from any Medicaid-enrolled pharmacy for free without a prescription.

What You Need To Know

  • BadgerCare Plus members can now get over-the-counter emergency contraception from any Medicaid-enrolled pharmacy for free without a prescription

  • Gov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced the order on Thursday

  • Prior to the order, BadgerCare Plus members were still able to get over-the-counter emergency contraception covered, but were required to get a prescription from a provider

  • DHS said it will work with pharmacists on submitting claims to Wisconsin Medicaid for covered over-the-counter contraceptives

Gov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced the standing order on Thursday. It’s something Evers previewed in his 2024 State of the State address.

Prior to the order, BadgerCare Plus members were still able to get over-the-counter emergency contraception covered, but were required to get a prescription from a provider.

The new measure removes the barrier of scheduling and attending an appointment with a provider beforehand, giving members more direct access.

“Every Wisconsinite should be able to access the healthcare they need when they need it—and yes, that includes full, unobstructed access to contraception,” said Evers. “This is an exciting milestone in our work to expand reproductive freedom in Wisconsin, and I am thankful for all the partners involved in making this happen for the people of our state.”

Evers and DHS Secretary Kirsten Johnson visited with local communities across the state on Wednesday to highlight the measure and locate more potential barriers.

DHS said it will work with pharmacists on submitting claims to Wisconsin Medicaid for covered over-the-counter contraceptives.

DHS Medicaid Director Bill Hanna said the process is simple.

“They’ll be able to go to any Medicaid-enrolled pharmacy, checkout with their ForwardHealth card, ask their pharmacist any questions, and walk away with the medication they need with no out-of-pocket costs. We’ll continue to work with providers and partners to implement common-sense ways to reduce barriers to Wisconsinites accessing health care options that are right for them,” said Hanna in a statement.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first daily, oral contraceptive pill for use without a prescription last summer. It’s expected to be available online and in stores later in 2024; BadgerCare Plus members will be able to get it with no out-of-pocket costs and no prescription.

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