Comparing long-acting reversible contraception insertion rates in women with Medicaid vs. private insurance in a clinic with a two-visit protocol

OBJECTIVE: This study examined whether women with Medicaid are less likely to receive long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) in a clinic requiring two visits for insertion. STUDY DESIGN: LARC insertion and pregnancy rates were compared among women with Medicaid vs. private insurance, along with other predictors, in a retrospective chart review (N=447). RESULTS: Univariately, fewer women with Medicaid vs. private insurance received LARC (66% vs. 79%, p<.01) and more become pregnant (18% vs. 6%, p<.001). Significant multivariate predictors of not receiving LARC were being unmarried and postpartum, both of which were associated with having Medicaid. CONCLUSION: Women with Medicaid are less likely than women with private insurance to have a requested LARC device inserted when a clinic requires two visits for insertion.