Out-of-pocket spending on prescription contraception in British Columbia fell 83 per cent within two years of the province introducing universal, no-cost coverage in April 2023, according to new research from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences.
The study, published in JAMA Health Forum, found that young adults in their 20s experienced the greatest financial relief. Before the policy, nearly 45 per cent of contraception costs for this age group were paid out of pocket—the highest rate in Canada. After implementation, that figure dropped to under 10 per cent.
Dr. Elizabeth Nethery, a postdoctoral researcher in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences and lead author, notes that young adults in their 20s often find themselves in a coverage gap—no longer eligible for their parents' insurance plans but not yet employed in positions with comprehensive benefits. This group was particularly vulnerable to out-of-pocket contraception costs before the policy took effect, making them among the most likely to benefit from universal coverage.
Dr. Laura Schummers, Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences and senior author, highlights that removing financial barriers to contraception has increased uptake of the most effective methods. This shift not only helps reduce rates of unintended pregnancy but also addresses broader issues of inequality, demonstrating the value of universal contraception coverage.
The research also found increased use of long-acting contraceptives like IUDs, while total system costs remained stable.
Read the full media release on the UBC Media Relations website.