CHICAGO — Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker Thursday signed HB 0135 into law, making birth control an over-the-counter medication.
“This legislation that I’m signing into law today makes Illinois one of the first states in the Midwest to provide birth control over the counter, making contraceptives all the more accessible and affordable in our state,” said Governor JB Pritzker.
The new law makes Illinois the second state in the Midwest to offer the medication in that style.
The law also expands Medicaid to cover the birth control costs for plans that currently cover physician prescribed birth control. Pharmacists are required to receive training on how to counsel individuals on the variety of birth control options.
“Pharmacists are the most accessible healthcare providers that receive the most extensive training in proper use of medications; it makes sense to fully utilize pharmacists to expand access to ensure women are empowered in having access to effective, preventative options for contraception,” said Garth Reynolds, Executive Director of the Illinois Pharmacists Association.
The law goes into effect Jan. 1, 2022. Provisions effecting the insurance code are effective Jan. 1, 2023.
