James Trussell1. 1. Office of Population Research, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA. trussell@princeton.edu
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Despite the many contraceptive options available in the United States, nearly half (49%) of the 6.4 million pregnancies each year are unintended; these represent a significant cost to the health care system. METHODS: The total number of unintended pregnancies and their outcomes were obtained from the literature. Direct medical costs were estimated for each unintended pregnancy outcome. RESULTS: The direct medical costs of unintended pregnancies were US$5 billion in 2002. Direct medical cost savings due to contraceptive use were US$19 billion. DISCUSSION: Unintended pregnancies are a costly problem in the United States. Contraceptive use can reduce direct and indirect costs; hence, payers may realize cost savings by providing coverage of contraceptive products.
INTRODUCTION: Despite the many contraceptive options available in the United States, nearly half (49%) of the 6.4 million pregnancies each year are unintended; these represent a significant cost to the health care system. METHODS: The total number of unintended pregnancies and their outcomes were obtained from the literature. Direct medical costs were estimated for each unintended pregnancy outcome. RESULTS: The direct medical costs of unintended pregnancies were US$5 billion in 2002. Direct medical cost savings due to contraceptive use were US$19 billion. DISCUSSION: Unintended pregnancies are a costly problem in the United States. Contraceptive use can reduce direct and indirect costs; hence, payers may realize cost savings by providing coverage of contraceptive products.
Authors: Lindsay M Kuroki; Jenifer E Allsworth; Colleen A Redding; Jeffrey D Blume; Jeffrey F Peipert Journal: Am J Obstet Gynecol Date: 2008-05-12 Impact factor: 8.661
Authors: Suzanne Burlone; Alison B Edelman; Aaron B Caughey; James Trussell; Stella Dantas; Maria I Rodriguez Journal: Contraception Date: 2012-07-25 Impact factor: 3.375