The impact of out-of-pocket expense on IUD utilization among women with private insurance.

BACKGROUND

The study was conducted to evaluate the impact of out-of-pocket expense on intrauterine device (IUD) utilization among women with private insurance.

STUDY DESIGN

We reviewed the records of all women with private insurance who requested an IUD for contraception from an urban academic gynecology practice from May 2007 through April 2008. For each patient, we determined the out-of-pocket expense that would be incurred and whether she ultimately had an IUD placed. The total charge for placement of a copper or levonorgestrel IUD (including the device) was $815.

RESULTS

Ninety-five women requested an IUD during the study period. The distribution of out-of-pocket expense was bimodal: less than $50 for 35 (37%) women and greater than $500 for 52 (55%) women. Intrauterine device insertion occurred in 24 (25%) women, 19 of whom had an out-of-pocket expense less than $50. In univariate and multivariable analysis, women with insurance coverage that resulted in less than $50 out-of-pocket expense for the IUD were more likely to have an IUD placed than women required to pay $50 or more (adjusted odds ratio=11.4, 95% confidence interval=3.6-36.6).

CONCLUSIONS

Women requesting an IUD for contraception are significantly more likely to have an IUD placed when out-of-pocket expense is less than $50.