The University of Connecticut has recently introduced a vending machine that dispenses Plan B, expanding access to emergency contraception on its Storrs campus.
This initiative follows the 2023 state law aimed at improving contraceptive access, which allows licensed pharmacists to prescribe contraception after a brief training program and permits over-the-counter emergency contraceptives like Plan B to be sold in vending machines.
The law went into effect on December 27, 2024, and UConn quickly moved to implement this option for students, reflecting the state’s push to make birth control more accessible, particularly for those who face barriers like cost, distance, or lack of primary care providers.
Although this expansion is welcomed by many, there are concerns about reimbursement for pharmacists, as insurance plans do not typically cover prescriptions filled by pharmacists, and no clear billing system exists yet. Connecticut legislators are working on bills to address this issue.