New standing orders will improve reproductive and maternal health for MassHealth and Health Safety Net members

Boston - On March 6, 2025, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced two standing orders that will allow eligible MassHealth members and Health Safety Net (HSN) patients to access prenatal vitamins and over the counter (OTC) oral contraceptives at no cost. This move is part of the administration’s commitment to improving reproductive and maternal health outcomes and reducing health disparities for women and infants. 

“Our administration is committed to expanding access to reproductive and maternal health care across Massachusetts. We know that prenatal vitamins and birth control play a really important role in women’s health,” said Governor Maura Healey. “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.”

"By expanding access to birth control and prenatal vitamins for MassHealth members in every community in Massachusetts, we're supporting people to make more informed choices for themselves,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “In turn, this will lead to a healthier Massachusetts for everyone.”

These standing orders are designed to improve access to essential reproductive health medications, listed below. These medications will be available at all MassHealth enrolled pharmacies.

• Standing Order for Prenatal Vitamins: Eligible MassHealth members and HSN patients can receive up to a 90-day supply of OTC prenatal vitamins or multivitamins containing at least 400 mcg of folic acid. This Standing Order will help ensure that those who are capable of becoming pregnant, considering pregnancy, attempting to become pregnant, are pregnant, or nursing receive the essential nutrients needed.  Pharmacists will be required to counsel patients on the use of prenatal vitamins, including appropriate initiation and discontinuation, and encourage follow-up with a primary care provider or obstetrician/gynecologist. MassHealth currently covers 40 percent of all births in Massachusetts.
• Standing Order for Oral Hormonal Contraceptives: Allows pharmacists to dispense up to a 365-day supply of OTC oral hormonal contraceptives, specifically norgestrel 0.075 mg tablets, to eligible MassHealth members and HSN patients. The standing order ensures that birth control is accessible to individuals of reproductive potential and age. As part of this initiative, pharmacists will be required to counsel patients on contraindications, side effects, and the proper use of the birth control pill, emphasizing the importance of daily adherence and informing patients that the pill does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. 

“We’re working to make sure that everyone in Massachusetts has access to the health care tools they need to live their best lives,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh. "Now, MassHealth members can get prenatal vitamins and birth control pills for free, over- the- counter. Removing barriers like this is one of the simplest ways we can work toward better health outcomes for mothers and infants in our state.”

“MassHealth is committed to supporting reproductive health and family planning choices, ensuring that all members regardless of their circumstances can access comprehensive health care,” said Assistant Secretary for MassHealth Mike Levine. 

The medications in the standing orders will be available through all MassHealth enrolled pharmacies, and pharmacists will be required to provide counseling or guidance on the proper use of both products.