What if I can't afford the shot?

If you have health insurance—whether it’s from work, school, your parents, the ACA marketplace, or Medicaid—chances are good that you’ll be able to get this method with no out-of-pocket cost.

If you don’t have insurance or if you’re on a plan that doesn’t cover birth control, the shot can be expensive. You can also ask for the generic version, which is usually much more affordable than the brand name version. Depending on your income, you may be able to go to a low-cost clinic to get the shot at a reduced cost. You can also check with the manufacturer to see if they offer a discount or coupon to help you pay for the shot.