Manitoba Government Announces Universal Birth Control Coverage Starting Oct.1

Manitobans will see cost savings with the introduction of no-cost coverage of prescription birth control, beginning Tuesday, Oct. 1, Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara announced today.

“Prescription birth control is a right, not a luxury,” said Asagwara. “Money should never be a barrier to accessing reproductive health care. Starting Oct. 1, Manitobans will be able to get some of the most common and effective birth control without having to worry about the cost. This will save people hundreds of dollars and it will ensure you are fully in control of your body and your choices.”

In Budget 2024, the Manitoba government announced a plan to make prescription birth control free for all Manitobans. The Manitoba Pharmacare Program will cover the full cost of about 60 commonly used birth-control methods including the pill, intrauterine devices, hormone injections and others.

People can get a prescription from their doctor or a nurse practitioner at their regular appointment, walk-in clinics or in a hospital.

“Today’s announcement will ensure that all Manitobans in need will have access to reliable contraception and secures their ability to make a reproductive life plan,” said Dr Jacqueline Gougeon, family physician. “It further empowers women to make decisions around their education and careers that are based solely on their own hopes and dreams and not around unintended pregnancies. This decision represents renewed choice and opportunity for so many of my patients, and removes a tremendous barrier to adequate health care and gender equity.”

The program will save Manitobans hundreds of dollars a year on birth control costs, the minister noted, adding that someone who pays $25 a month for oral hormonal pills, the new free plan could save them as much as $10,000 over their lifetime.

To obtain free coverage, eligible Manitobans who do not already have coverage from another federal or provincial program can present their prescription and their Manitoba Health Card at a pharmacy for a birth control product.

Province of MB News Release