Evaluating the impact of universal pharmacare on contraceptive use in Ontario youth and young adults

Adolescents have reported the relatively high cost of contraceptives as a barrier to accessing effective contraception. In 2018, Ontario introduced universal pharmacare for all residents under 25 years-old, thereby providing free, confidential access to contraception (OHIP+). In 2019, OHIP+ was revised (to OHIP-) to cover only those who did not otherwise have private insurance, potentially compromising confidentiality and re-introducing copayments. Our objectives were to evaluate the impact of OHIP+/- on contraceptive use and examine if the impact varied based on area-level socioeconomic status (SES).