A Plan C pill, the common name for medication abortion ordered online or through telehealth, typically costs between $150 and $580 depending on the provider. The total can reach $800 in some cases, though most people pay well under that. The price varies based on whether you use a telehealth service, a clinic like Planned Parenthood, or a sliding-scale provider, and whether insurance covers any of the cost.
What “Plan C” Actually Refers To
Plan C is not a single branded pill. It’s a term that describes accessing medication abortion, usually through the mail or a telehealth appointment rather than an in-person clinic visit. The medication itself is a two-drug regimen: the first pill blocks the hormone needed to sustain a pregnancy, and the second, taken 24 to 48 hours later, causes the uterus to empty. The FDA has approved this regimen for use through 10 weeks of pregnancy.
The combined two-pill regimen is roughly 95% effective. A single-pill version using only the second medication exists and is less expensive, but it’s also less reliable, with effectiveness closer to 78% in broader studies. When that second medication is used in repeated higher doses under a specific protocol, completion rates have ranged from 82% to 100% in clinical research.
Cost by Provider Type
Where you get the medication makes the biggest difference in price.
- Telehealth services like Aid Access: $150 is the standard price for medication mailed to your home. Aid Access also offers a sliding scale for people who can’t afford that amount. Those who request a reduced rate pay $68 on average.
- Planned Parenthood clinics: The average cost is around $580, which includes the consultation, medication, and follow-up.
- Other clinics and private providers: Prices can range up to $800, depending on your location and what the visit includes.
Telehealth options are significantly cheaper because they cut out the overhead of an in-person visit. You complete a medical questionnaire or video consultation, and the pills arrive by mail. The FDA currently allows this: you do not need to see a physician in person to obtain the medication, and it can be dispensed through pharmacies or shipped directly.
Insurance and Medicaid Coverage
Whether your insurance covers medication abortion depends heavily on your state and your plan. Private insurance plans in many states are required to cover it, but this is far from universal. If your plan does cover it, your out-of-pocket cost could drop to just a copay.
Medicaid coverage is more restricted. Twenty-nine states currently ban Medicaid from covering abortion, meaning low-income residents in those states must pay entirely out of pocket. In the remaining states and Washington, D.C., Medicaid may cover part or all of the cost. If you’re unsure, calling your insurance provider directly is the fastest way to find out what applies to you.
Reducing Your Out-of-Pocket Cost
If the standard price is a barrier, several options can bring the cost down. Aid Access’s sliding scale is one of the most accessible, requiring only an email to the clinic to request a lower rate. National abortion funds also help cover costs for people who qualify. Organizations like the National Abortion Federation Hotline and local abortion funds in each state can connect you with financial assistance, sometimes covering the full amount.
You’ll also want to budget for a few over-the-counter supplies beyond the pills themselves. Ibuprofen for cramping, maxi pads (not tampons), and a heating pad are the basics. These add roughly $15 to $25 to the total cost, though most people already have some of these at home.
Legal Factors That Affect Access and Price
Your state’s abortion laws directly shape what you’ll pay and how you can get the medication. In states where medication abortion is legal, telehealth options keep costs low and access straightforward. In states with restrictions or bans, accessing the pills may require traveling to another state or using a provider based in a state with legal protections.
Eight states have passed shield laws that explicitly protect healthcare providers who prescribe and ship medication abortion to patients regardless of where the patient lives. These laws are designed to let telehealth providers continue serving people in restrictive states, though the legal landscape is complex and varies by situation. Providers operating under these shield laws, like Aid Access, often maintain their standard pricing even when shipping across state lines.
The practical result: someone in a state with a ban may still be able to order medication at the $150 telehealth price, but they should verify current availability through the provider’s website, since enforcement and legal challenges can shift access quickly.