Janice (name changed) is 17. She came to my office for her annual physical. She is on the school soccer team, doing very well in school, and deciding which college she will attend next fall. Janice is in a long-term relationship with her boyfriend of three years. They’re happy together but do not want kids yet.

She wants to get birth control, as she worries about getting pregnant, but she is “worried that my insurance won’t cover birth control.” We reviewed her insurance and found that she is covered for any birth control method she prefers. After discussing her options, Janice decided to start Depo-Provera. She was happy to find out her insurance covered the birth control she wanted without a co-pay. Now she can focus on her education and career plans without the constant worry that she may get pregnant.