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Key takeaways
Nexplanon is a brand-name contraceptive implant without a generic version, costing between $0 and $1,300 without insurance, plus up to $300 for removal.
Most insurance plans, including Medicaid, cover Nexplanon, aligning with the Affordable Care Act’s mandates for birth control coverage.
Alternatives to Nexplanon, such as intrauterine devices (IUDs) and other forms of contraceptives, may offer more affordable options for those without insurance.
Uninsured individuals can reduce Nexplanon’s costs through discount cards, comparing pharmacy prices, visiting community health clinics, or seeking help from nonprofit organizations.
Nexplanon is a brand-name prescription birth control implant that does not contain estrogen. It is a single-hormone contraceptive that steadily releases the hormone progestin, providing women with a long-term contraception option. The implant requires a healthcare professional to insert or remove it. Without insurance, the cost of Nexplanon can range from $0 to $1,300, with removal possibly incurring an additional office visit fee of up to $300, depending on healthcare provider fees and location.
Despite the potential high upfront cost, Nexplanon is a one-time expense providing up to three years of birth control coverage, which may be more favorable in the long run for some.
Related: Nexplanon side effects and how to avoid them
What is the brand name/generic for Nexplanon?
Nexplanon is the brand name for the hormonal birth control implant that contains the active ingredient etonogestrel. Currently, there isn’t a generic equivalent available on the market. The patent protection for Nexplanon typically prevents other pharmaceutical companies from creating a generic version until the patent expires. The patent for Nexplanon is expected to expire in the U.S. in 2027 and other countries in 2025, when a generic version may be approved.
Is Nexplanon covered by insurance?
Most insurance companies offer health insurance plans that cover Nexplanon and other birth control methods. These include birth control pills, birth control patches, and other types of birth control approved by the U.S. Drug and Food Administration (FDA). This is due to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requirements that insurance providers must follow. This coverage usually includes the upper arm implant Nexplanon, removing financial barriers to effective contraception and family planning. Individuals with Medicaid and certain government programs may also receive Nexplanon at no out-of-pocket or low cost.
How much does Nexplanon cost without insurance?
Without insurance coverage, individuals can expect varying costs. The average retail price for a single Nexplanon implant may range between $0 and $1,300. The wide range in cost can be attributed to geographic location, the pharmacy’s pricing, and potential discounts or financial assistance programs. In many cases, out-of-pocket costs may be associated with the visit for implanting the medication.
Because Nexplanon releases hormones over three years, there isn’t a per-pill price or a monthly cost as with other forms of birth control. The upfront cost covers three years of birth control, and when calculated yearly, it simplifies to a range of $0 to $433 annually before considering removal procedure costs, which can also vary.
There is no generic alternative to Nexplanon. However, individuals can consider other forms of long-term birth control, like intrauterine devices (IUDs), which may vary in price and could potentially be cheaper options. In any case, it may be helpful to research and ask about available options to reduce the financial burden.
| Compare Nexplanon prices to related drugs | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Drug name | Price without insurance of brand-name drug | SingleCare price | Savings options |
| Nexplanon (etonogestrel) | $1442 per 1, 68 mg implant | $1056 per 1, 68 mg implant of brand-name Nexplanon | See latest prices |
| Mirena (levonorgestrel) | $1428 per 1, 52 mg intrauterine device | $1048 per 1, 52 mg intrauterine device of brand-name Mirena | See latest prices |
| Skyla (levonorgestrel) | $1267 per 1, 13.5 intrauterine device | $907 per 1, 13.5 intrauterine device of brand-name Skyla | See latest prices |
| Heather (norethindrone) | $46 per 1 package of 28, 0.35 mg tablets | $5 per 1 package of 28, 0.35 mg tablets of generic norethindrone | See latest prices |
| Depo-Provera injection (medroxyprogesterone acetate) | $197 per 1, 1 mL of 150 mg/mL vial | $28 per 1, 1 mL of 150 mg/mL vial of brand-name Depo-Provera | See latest prices |
| Lo Loestrin Fe (norethindrone/ethinyl estradiol/ferrous fumarate) | $239 per 1 package of 28 1 mg/10 mcg/10 mcg tablets | $126 per 1 package of 28 1 mg/10 mcg/10 mcg tablets of brand-name Lo Loestrin Fe | See latest prices |
| Annovera (segesterone acetate-ethinyl estradiol) | $2907 per 1 ring of 0.15 mg/0.013 mg | $021 per 1 ring of 0.15 mg/0.013 mg of brand-name Annovera | See latest prices |
Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing. The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name drugs (unless otherwise specified). The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available. Click the link under “Savings options” to see the latest drug prices.
How to get Nexplanon without insurance
While insurance can significantly reduce the cost of this birth control implant, many people may find it challenging to pay for Nexplanon without it. Paying for Nexplanon out-of-pocket can be costly. However, there are still methods to make Nexplanon more affordable without insurance coverage. Here are some potential strategies:
1. Use a discount card
SingleCare discount cards can be a significant help. These coupons are accepted at many pharmacies and could reduce the cost of Nexplanon, making it more accessible for uninsured people.
2. Consider a comparable medication
While Nexplanon does not have a direct generic equivalent, there are other long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), such as Mirena and Skyla, that may offer similar benefits. Combination oral contraceptives like Loestrin (ethinyl estradiol/norethindrone) or progestin-only pills like Heather (norethindrone) are oral alternatives to Nexplanon that can also be considered. Researching birth-control alternatives and comparing prices may offer considerable savings.
3. Compare pharmacy prices
Different pharmacies may offer varying prices for the same medication. You can shop around and compare prices at local pharmacies to find the most affordable option for Nexplanon. Sometimes, you may find lower prices at pharmacies you don’t typically frequent.
4. Visit a community health clinic
Some local health clinics and community health centers may offer Nexplanon at reduced prices or on a sliding scale based on income. This can make the implant much more attainable for those without insurance.
5. Check for nonprofit organizations
Nonprofits like Planned Parenthood sometimes provide birth control implants at little to no cost for those who qualify. Checking their criteria could lead to free or subsidized Nexplanon. Some local charitable organizations and women’s health initiatives may offer financial assistance or sliding-scale fees for birth control options.
These options may offer substantial savings. For instance, the cost with a discount card might be significantly less than the listed price, potentially offering savings similar to those seen with generic medications. Exploring these potential strategies is the most reliable way to reduce the costs of obtaining Nexplanon without insurance.
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Sources
- Birth control benefits, Healthcare.gov (2023)
- Investor relations, Organon (2021)