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Miami University's health center will charge significantly higher prices for birth control after a federal deficit-reduction bill ended subsidies to college health centers to reduce drug costs.

The jump in price for brand-name oral contraceptives, which could double or triple in cost, will take effect July 1 at Miami University's Student Health Services in conjunction with the school's new insurance policy.

In the past, by offering Ortho-Tri-Cyclen Lo and Desogen birth control medication for only $10, students say they could afford to buy it without having to tell parents about their sexual activity.

"I would be fearful of the negative outcome of students not telling parents everything they do and making riskier choices," said Jane Goettsch, director of Miami University's Women's Center.

Miami University previously did not allow students to use insurance at the center, to avoid third-party billing. But due to parent and student feedback, the use of parents' insurance, in addition to student insurance through the school at $748 a semester, will be available July 1.

Costs for prescriptions other than birth control will increase as well, according to Jim Slager, senior administrative director of Health Services at Miami University. Doctor visits, which had been free, will increase to $50 per visit without insurance, with two free visits a year.

"There is some speculation this will hurt business, but we offer convenience," Slager said. "If a student has an insurance policy, I don't see the advantage of going Uptown."

The exact increased cost of birth control could not be given because Miami University officials say they have not calculated what future price increases will be.

Ohio State University pharmacist Gary Mangini said drug companies used rebates to provide cheap birth control to universities in an effort to create brand loyalty among women at an early age.

Amanda Montel, vice president of Pro-Choice Miami, said she is apprehensive about the changes.

"It limits access," Montel said. "College students' budgets tend to be pretty tight and they are usually the population that needs contraceptive the most."

With the March 16 closing of Oxford's Planned Parenthood offices, Miami University gynecology nurse Rita Lowe has noticed five to 10 new patients a week transferring to the campus center.

According to the Hamilton Planned Parenthood office, which is about 30 minutes from Oxford, both generic and brand-name birth control pills for college students with little to no income would cost about $15 without insurance.

"Not having insurance doesn't mean you'll pay more (at Planned Parenthood)," said Laurie Housemeyer, director of public affairs for the Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region.

The American College of Health Association is continuing to work with legislatures to make college health services exempt from price increases.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2250 or hday@coxohio.com.