Many states now have laws requiring health plans to cover contraceptives if they cover prescription drugs. Still, many women can not obtain contraception. This is especially true of the newer methods such as the patch or the ring. Another common problem is the refusal of some health plans to allow women to buy more than a month's supply of hormonal contraception at a time which results in missed doses. The following are suggestions for handling such problems:

• Ask your doctor for free samples.



• Offer to pay cash for an extra month's supply.