This week, KPCC reporter, Rebecca Plevin, has been investigating the cost of two forms of birth control: IUDs and vasectomies. Plevin’s research revealed about 5% of patients at Pasadena and San Gabriel valley Planned Parenthoods seek-out IUDs which just about mirrors the overall US usage. The cost sits at approximately $1000, but Planned Parenthood charges on a sliding scale based on what the patient can afford. The price seems to vary depending on region and what kind of health insurance coverage a person has. For example, since the Hobby Lobby ruling, some private companies can choose to not cover certain contraceptives if it goes against their religious beliefs. Plevin will share what she discovered about the cost and coverage of vasectomies as well.
Price Check is a collaboration with KQED and Clearhealthcosts.com, a health costs transparency company that has been gathering cost data on a variety of medical tests, procedures and services from around the country.
See more about Price Check in Rebecca Plevin's blog post, and join the conversation about health cost transparency on the Price Check page.
Guest:
Rebecca Plevin, KPCC Health Reporter