Ready to get started on the pill, patch, ring, or shot?
No Appointment Needed!
UCSB students can get a prescription for birth control pills, the vaginal ring, the birth control patch, or the Depo Provera shot—no appointment is needed! Just fill out the online form in your MyHealth Portal!
The Pre-requisites
- Research your options and decide on the method you’d like to start
- Check your blood pressure if haven’t had it checked in the past 12 months*
- Update the health history section of your MyHealth portal
*PRO TIP: You can walk into Student Health anytime during our regular business hours and check your blood pressure at our easy & confidential DIY vital signs station
The Process
- Log into MyHealth Portal
- Click on "Appointments."
- Select "Online Birth Control Request."
- Complete the online form.
- Look for a secure message in your MyHealth portal within four school days.
The message will have your next steps.
Ready for an IUD or Nexplanon (arm implant)?
Insertion Appointment Needed
When you are ready to have the long-term, highly-effective birth control of an IUD or Nexplanon, you simply need to schedule an appointment to have it inserted.
The Process
- Log into MyHealth Portal
- Click on "Appointments."
- Select "IUD Insertion" or “Nexplanon Insertion”
- Chose the date and time that works best for your schedule
- Watch your in-box for important pre-insertion instructions
Not sure what method is best for you?
No Problem! We’d Love to Talk to You!
Go to the Myhealth Portal or give us a call at 805-893-3371 to schedule a birth control consultation with an RN. Use this appointment to discuss your options and answer your questions, and if you decide on a method, you can leave with a prescription or an insertion appointment.
Cost for Birth Control at UCSB
|
Insurance |
UCSHIP |
GAP |
WAIVED |
WAIVED with Kaiser |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Service |
|
|||
|
Asynchronous care for prescription |
No cost |
No cost |
No cost |
No cost |
|
Personalized consultation appointment with RN |
No cost |
No cost |
No cost |
No cost |
|
Prescription filled at Student Health pharmacy |
No cost* |
Full price** |
Full price** |
Full price** |
|
Prescription filled at an off-campus pharmacy |
No cost* |
Usually no cost*, but check with your insurance |
Usually no cost*, but check with your insurance |
Full price** |
|
Prescription filled at a Kaiser mail order pharmacy |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
Usually no cost*, but check with your insurance |
|
Nexplanon (arm implant) |
No cost |
Full price** |
Full price** |
Full price** |
|
IUD |
No cost |
Full price** |
Full price** |
Full price** |
|
Plan B at Student Health Pharmacy |
$20 |
$20 |
$20 |
$20 |
*Note: Brand name pills may have an extra out-of-pocket cost.
**The full price of medications is highly variable. For example, a pack of pills can cost anywhere between $5 and $162 a month. The cost of IUDs and Nexplanon can be found on our price list. Some PPO insurances will allow you to pay full price and then submit a receipt for reimbursement, check with your insurance plan for more information about your coverage.
UC SHIP
| SERVICE | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Consultations | UC SHIP covers 100% of all contraception and emergency contraception services
|
| Prescriptions | All contraception and emergency contraception prescriptions are conveniently available at the on-campus SHS Pharmacy for no or low copays set by UCSHIP. |
| IUDs and Implants | Contraceptive devices and associated procedures are 100% covered by UC-SHIP. |
Gaucho Access Plan (GAP)
| SERVICE | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Consultations | GAP covers 100% of all contraception and emergency contraception pill services
|
| Prescriptions | Select low-cost prescription contraceptives are available for cash pay at the SHS Pharmacy. Prices can range from as low as $10 per month, depending on the brand and quantity purchased. Students also have the option to pick up prescriptions at a commercial pharmacy using their private insurance. An SHS registered nurse or provider must issue these prescriptions. (Prescriptions written by our SHS Pharmacists are valid only at our on-campus pharmacy.) |
| IUDs and Implants | Contraceptive devices and associated procedures are not covered by GAP. Students can elect to have these charges posted to their BARC account. You can request reimbursement from your private insurance, but payment is not guaranteed. Please see our “Prices for Common Services List” for device and placement procedure estimates. We encourage students without UCSHIP to consider using Planned Parenthood or the Isla Vista Neighborhood Clinic for IUD and Implant services. Both clinics accept most commercial insurances. |
Waived
| SERVICE | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Consultations | Please see our “Prices for Common Services List” for estimates regarding Asynchronous Care and Nurse Visits for contraception/emergency contraception pill services. For complex contraceptive concerns, consultations with SHS providers via telehealth and office visits are also available. Most commercial insurance companies offer telehealth consultations. Consider using the virtual service recommended by your private insurance. |
| Prescriptions | Select low-cost prescription contraceptives are available for cash pay at the SHS Pharmacy. Prices can range from as low as $10 per month, depending on the brand and quantity purchased. Students also have the option to pick up prescriptions at a commercial pharmacy using their private insurance. An SHS registered nurse or provider must issue these prescriptions. |
| IUDs and Implants | Students can elect to have these charges posted to their BARC account. You can request reimbursement from your private insurance, but payment is not guaranteed. Please see our “Prices for Common Services List” for device and placement procedure estimates. We encourage students without UCSHIP to consider using Planned Parenthood or the Isla Vista Neighborhood Clinic for IUD and Implant services. Both clinics accept most commercial insurances. |
Price for Common Services
The link below provides a price for common services at UCSB Student Health depending on whether a student has UC Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP), Gaucho Access Plan (GAP), or waived UC SHIP and does not have GAP. The price for common services sheet is for informational use only and does not constitute an agreement. All prices are subject to change without notice.
Price Spreadsheet