Will My Insurance Cover the Abortion Pill?

When faced with an unplanned or unexpected pregnancy, you have three options — abortion, adoption or parenting. Each of these options may come with endless questions and “what ifs” and it can be a challenge to sort through all of the information you need in order to make an informed choice.

When considering an abortion, it can be particularly challenging to find an affordable option for quality care.

Your Options Medical is here to help answer some of the most commonly asked questions related to the abortion process in the state of Massachusetts.

What is the abortion pill and how does it work?

The abortion pill is a two-pill process that ends a pregnancy through chemical means. The process utilizes two medications called Mifepristone and Misoprostol.

Mifepristone is administered first and works to block the body’s natural production of the pregnancy hormone called progesterone. Without this hormone, the fetus will not have the necessary nutrients to survive.

The second medication, Misoprostol, is taken around 24-48 hours later and will cause contractions to empty the uterus of the aborted fetus. 

Some common side effects of the abortion pill include abdominal cramping, nausea, headaches, and intense bleeding. Women can expect to pass large blood clots, sometimes the size of a lemon, which contain the aborted fetal tissue.

Will My Insurance Pay for the Abortion Pill?

To determine if abortion procedures are covered by your insurance plan, you will need to contact your insurance provider directly.

Insurance coverage for abortion varies from state to state, so take time to research your state’s unique laws and restrictions.

How much will the abortion pill cost me out of pocket? 

The out-of-pocket cost for the abortion pill is typically around $500.

What other costs can I expect when it comes to abortion? 

In addition to the cost of the medication itself, there are a few other costs you might consider when deciding if the abortion pill is right for you.

These costs include: 

• Pre-abortion screenings like lab-quality pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and STD testing

• Follow-up appointments 
• Additional medications 
• The cost for emergency medical care in the case of abortion complications, like hemorrhaging or infections, or an incomplete abortion

• Travel and accommodation 
• Missed paychecks if taking time off work

What do I need to do to Prepare for the Abortion Pill? 

While the abortion pill is often sold as a simple medical process, it’s important to remember that it’s a serious procedure and there are a few essential steps to take to ensure your safety and comfort, all of which can be completed at your local pregnancy center at no cost to you!  

These steps include: 

1. Getting lab-quality pregnancy testing.
2. Scheduling an ultrasound scan to confirm a viable pregnancy and eligibility for the abortion pill.  
3. Talking through your options with a qualified profession who is not financially invested in your decision. You can ask questions and review potential risks and side effects you might encounter.

Schedule an Appointment

Your Options Medical is here to help walk you through your unplanned pregnancy. We provide free pregnancy testing and ultrasound scans, along with options counseling with a qualified patient advocate so that you can boldly and confidently make the choice that’s best for you and your future. Contact us to schedule an appointment.