2008 Woodie Awards
Prescription birth control costs to increase in state
Brittany Carruthers
Issue date: 12/6/07 Section: News
In response to changes resulting from the Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) of 2005, Health Services will begin raising the prices for several birth control options.
MTSU was notified of the price increase of birth control pills in late December 2006.
The increase is due to the DRA, which stated the change of eligibility standing of College Health Clinics to receive this discounted pricing.
A chance that the law could be changed is possible.
MTSU Health Services is working with the national organization, American College Health Association, and other organizations to lobby Congress and the Department of Health Services to resolve this issue for the benefit of the students.
If the situation is resolved, Health Services will reinstate the discounted pricing as soon as possible.
"It's great to take responsibility for your actions, said Tiffany Gray, sophomore theatre major. But, she added, "I don't believe a large number of students are aware of birth control being provided at Health Services."
There are options available to students who are affected by the price increases, such as continuing to purchase the same birth control at the increased price or scheduling an appointment with a provider to discuss options on switching to a lower cost method.
Students wishing to purchase birth control may also use their insurance at an outside pharmacy, while still obtaining a prescription from a provider.
"The legislation should put college health back into the exempt category," said Richard Chapman, director of the health center at MTSU, adding "The resolution is in the Senate and House with those legislations."
"The perfect resolution would be abstinence," Gray said. "We are all sexual creatures by nature and we all have urges, but taming it; life would be easier.
Gray said that students are in college with an intent to graduate, but no birth control is 100 percent effective, and students who are sexually active run the risk of getting a sexually transmitted disease or getting pregnant.
For all intents and purposes, Medicaid's refund law ended the need for drug companies to supply colleges with a discount for birth control.
"Everyone has access to Medicaid," Gray said. "Health Services is convenient because it's on campus, but right by the Stones River Mall in Middle Tennessee, there is a Department of Human Services that links through our state, where you can sign up for Health Care and whatever doctor you need, you can get it."
Chapman said the students at MTSU can afford birth control if the American College Association and other organizations dealing with this situation can find this method to keep the price for it at an affordable rate.
MTSU was notified of the price increase of birth control pills in late December 2006.
The increase is due to the DRA, which stated the change of eligibility standing of College Health Clinics to receive this discounted pricing.
A chance that the law could be changed is possible.
MTSU Health Services is working with the national organization, American College Health Association, and other organizations to lobby Congress and the Department of Health Services to resolve this issue for the benefit of the students.
If the situation is resolved, Health Services will reinstate the discounted pricing as soon as possible.
"It's great to take responsibility for your actions, said Tiffany Gray, sophomore theatre major. But, she added, "I don't believe a large number of students are aware of birth control being provided at Health Services."
There are options available to students who are affected by the price increases, such as continuing to purchase the same birth control at the increased price or scheduling an appointment with a provider to discuss options on switching to a lower cost method.
Students wishing to purchase birth control may also use their insurance at an outside pharmacy, while still obtaining a prescription from a provider.
"The legislation should put college health back into the exempt category," said Richard Chapman, director of the health center at MTSU, adding "The resolution is in the Senate and House with those legislations."
"The perfect resolution would be abstinence," Gray said. "We are all sexual creatures by nature and we all have urges, but taming it; life would be easier.
Gray said that students are in college with an intent to graduate, but no birth control is 100 percent effective, and students who are sexually active run the risk of getting a sexually transmitted disease or getting pregnant.
For all intents and purposes, Medicaid's refund law ended the need for drug companies to supply colleges with a discount for birth control.
"Everyone has access to Medicaid," Gray said. "Health Services is convenient because it's on campus, but right by the Stones River Mall in Middle Tennessee, there is a Department of Human Services that links through our state, where you can sign up for Health Care and whatever doctor you need, you can get it."
Chapman said the students at MTSU can afford birth control if the American College Association and other organizations dealing with this situation can find this method to keep the price for it at an affordable rate.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Matthew
posted 12/06/07 @ 4:38 PM CST
When Bush signed this into law, he stated "The bill I sign today will extend charitable choice for another five years, and expand it to the new healthy marriage and responsible fatherhood programs. (Continued…)
Ang
posted 12/06/07 @ 4:39 PM CST
There are other options.....The local health dept will get you on birth control, and the cost depends on your income.
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