Massachusetts Makes Prenatal Vitamins and Birth Control Free

Massachusetts has long been a winning state for families. With the most generous paid family leave, the lowest infant mortality rate in the nation, and many family-friendly policies, it’s no wonder the state is often named the best for families, working parents, single dads and pregnant women.

Now, the state is taking another step forward in reproductive and maternal health. Governor Maura Healey and Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll have introduced two new standing orders providing free prenatal vitamins and over-the-counter (OTC) birth control to Massachusetts residents enrolled in MassHealth and Health Safety Net (HSN).

MassHealth members and HSN patients can access up to a 90-day supply of OTC prenatal vitamins or multivitamins containing at least 400 mcg of folic acid, as well as up to a year’s supply of OTC birth control. These aren’t just small perks—prenatal vitamins have been shown to lower pregnancy complications and prevent birth defects, while consistent access to birth control leads to better health outcomes, greater economic stability, and more autonomy.

“We know that prenatal vitamins and birth control play a really important role in women’s health,” Governor Maura Healey said when announcing the new legislation. “With these orders, we are making it easier and more affordable for people to make the best health care decisions for themselves, will improve health outcomes for women and babies, and will reduce health disparities.”

Giving women access to vital reproductive and maternal care doesn’t just benefit mothers, kids and families either—it benefits all of Massachusetts, Ensuring women have the support they need before giving birth helps reduce state costs associated with complicated deliveries and long-term pregnancy-related conditions.