Changes in uptake and cost of long-acting reversible contraceptive devices following the introduction of a new low-cost levonorgestrel IUD in Utah's Title X clinics: a retrospective review

Abstract

ObjectiveThe objective was to assess changes in long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) method uptake at Utah's Title X clinics before and after introduction of a new, low-cost levonorgestrel (LNG) 52mg IUD (Liletta®). Study designWe conducted a retrospective medical record review of LARC visits occurring at seven Title-X family planning clinics in Utah before the introduction of the low-cost LNG IUD (preintroduction period: 01/01/2014–04/30/2015) and after (postintroduction period: 05/01/2015–03/31/2016). We ran segmented, interrupted time series ordinary least squares regression models using Newey–West standard errors to assess both the change in numbers of women initiating any LARC method and the average payment amount per LARC method. We evaluated both the low-cost LNG IUD and all LARC methods. ResultsAt the outset of preintroduction period, there were 29.2 [95% confidence interval (CI): 20.1–38.4] monthly LNG IUD insertions. Immediately postintroduction, there was a significant level of increase of 14.4 LNG IUD insertions the first month (95% CI: 2.0–26.8) followed by a significant trend increase each month of 2.4 additional LNG IUD insertions (95% CI: 0.32–4.47). Postintroduction, there was a significant level of remitted-payment decrease from all sources of −$240.43 per LNG IUD (95% CI: −311.02 to 168.87) followed by a significant monthly trend decrease of −$23.01 per LNG IUD (95% CI: −32.02 to −13.98). There were minimal changes in uptake and payment of other LARC methods following the introduction of the low-cost LNG IUD. ConclusionsFollowing introduction of a low-cost LNG IUD at Title X clinics, LNG IUD initiation increased and average payment for the method decreased. ImplicationsReducing the cost of LARC methods, both to clinics and to patients, is essential to expanding access. Additional efforts to develop and provide access to low-cost copper IUDs and subdermal implants as well as novel LARC methods should be continued.