Yale Daily News | Connecticut expands contraception access through pharmacists

By Janice Hur | Originally Published by the Yale Daily News

Connecticut residents can now obtain birth control prescriptions directly from their local pharmacists, following the implementation of a new policy aimed at expanding access to contraception.

As of Dec. 27, 2024, pharmacists in Connecticut are authorized to prescribe hormonal contraception and emergency contraceptives without requiring a doctor’s visit. The initiative, which was finalized after years of legislative efforts, is expected to increase accessibility by providing more points of care across the state’s pharmacies. While proponents see this as a step toward reducing barriers to contraception, challenges such as reimbursement for pharmacists remain unresolved.

“This immediately puts a potential 600-plus new points of access for women in Connecticut, where they can receive hormonal contraception without waiting for an appointment,” said Nathan Tinker, CEO of the Connecticut Pharmacists Association.

Increasing reproductive healthcare accessibility

The policy was developed to address logistical and financial barriers to birth control access. A four-hour training program, designed by the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy and approved by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, enables pharmacists to provide contraceptive prescriptions. With more than 670 pharmacies and over 6,500 licensed pharmacists in Connecticut, the policy expands access points for patients who may have difficulty securing timely appointments with healthcare providers.

Gov. Ned Lamont and Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz have promoted the initiative as part of broader efforts to improve reproductive healthcare accessibility. Alongside this policy, the state has introduced vending machines offering emergency contraception, including Plan B, at locations such as the University of Connecticut.

“There can be many barriers to going to a primary care provider for contraception—potential costs, needing to take time off work, or traveling long distances,” Bysiewicz said in a press release. “That is why both patients and pharmacists overwhelmingly offered their support for this change.”

Implementation and challenges

While the policy expands pharmacists’ scope of practice, it also introduces new challenges. Currently, there is no established reimbursement structure for pharmacists prescribing contraception, which could limit participation. Unlike physician visits, which are covered through various insurance plans, pharmacists currently lack a billing mechanism for this service.

“The large chain stores are excited about the opportunity. The independent stores are excited about it,” Tinker said. “But right now, there is no way for pharmacists to be reimbursed for this service.”

Three bills have been introduced in the Connecticut legislature to address this issue by creating pathways for insurance reimbursement. Advocates argue that without a financial framework, widespread adoption of the program could be hindered.

Potential impact on patients and pharmacies

The policy is expected to provide additional healthcare access points, particularly in areas where primary care services are limited. Pharmacists are required to follow clinical guidelines, including assessing patient eligibility and monitoring for contraindications, such as high blood pressure. While participation in the program is optional, proponents anticipate that many pharmacies will offer the service as demand increases.

Additionally, the expansion of vending machines dispensing emergency contraception aims to improve access for college students and others who may face logistical barriers.

“For students who don’t have easy access to off-campus transportation or for whom cost is a barrier, these vending machines are life-changing,” Liz Gustafson, Connecticut state director of Reproductive Equity Now wrote in an email to the News. 

As the program continues to roll out, policymakers, pharmacists and healthcare organizations will assess its impact on contraception access and utilization. Ongoing legislative efforts may determine whether the policy serves as a model for other states seeking to expand pharmacist-led healthcare services.

Nine out of 10 Americans live within five miles of a community pharmacy.