New Mexico Medicaid announces coverage of Opill, the over-the-counter oral contraceptive

No-cost pregnancy tests and emergency contraception further expand reproductive health choices for New Mexicans 

SANTA FE — Today, the New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD) announced the inclusion of Opill, the first over-the-counter daily oral contraceptive pill, in its coverage for Medicaid customers. Additionally, New Mexicans covered by Medicaid will have access to no-cost pregnancy tests and emergency contraception.  

“We are dedicated to ensuring access to health care for all Medicaid customers,” said Alanna Dancis, Chief Medical Officer for the New Mexico Medicaid program. “The coverage of Opill is a step forward in empowering people with more choices in their reproductive health care — we encourage our customers and pharmacists to familiarize themselves with this new coverage option.” 

Medicaid customers simply need to present the item at the pharmacy counter and there will be no cost for pregnancy tests, emergency contraception, and Opill, the new over-the-counter birth control pill.  

HSD and The New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) have collaborated to provide pharmacists standing orders that will allow Medicaid customers to access over-the-counter products and medications with no copay. DOH standing orders will assure timely access to these essential health supplies by direct access from pharmacies.  

Under Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s leadership, the state continues to support and expand access to reproductive health care. Not only through the inclusion of no-cost pregnancy tests, emergency contraception, and Opill for those enrolled in Medicaid, but enacting a law to safeguard abortion rights, establishing a hotline for reproductive healthcare assistance and supporting the healthcare workforce by introducing a new payment method for Medicaid-covered pregnancy terminations.