We all know that queer takes on many forms, shapes, and flavors. Some queer people have the type of sexual activity and have the type of biology that when combined their queer powers create new life!!!!!!
“Whoa!” you say, “Babies!”
Well, I have great news if you do not feel ready to create a baby! As of January 1, 2019, all Washingtonians with state-regulated insurance can now pick up over-the-counter contraceptives for free at their in-network pharmacies, according to the Office of the Insurance Commissioner. Those contraceptives include “condoms, spermicides, emergency contraceptives, and sponges.”
So—if you’re not on Medicaid, and if you don’t work for a mega-company that self-insures—then you can just stroll into a Walgreens (or a Rite Aid, or whatever pharmacy is in your network), walk up to the pharmacy counter, and ask for some Plan B, some condoms, or whatever a “sponge” is, and they’ll give it to you for freeeeeee at point of service.
You can also get sterilized or get a vasectomy for free. No copays and no deductibles. You can just walk into your doctor’s office and get snipped!
What a fabulous step forward in reproductive rights in Washington state. So get busy getting busy in an empowered way! Make sexy time without making babies if that is what you want! And remember only condoms (both internal and external) reduce your risk of sexually transmitted infections. Last, but not least, QueerDoc happy provides online video consults to answer all of your contraception (birth control, including surgery referrals) and STD/STI testing questions.
*Italicized section is an excerpt from a Stranger Article. The Stranger is having some challenges being gender affirming lately, so I choose not to link back to their article.