The $7 Secret: 4 Shocking Things You Must Know About Buying Plan B At Costco

The answer is a resounding "Yes," Costco does sell emergency contraception, including the generic equivalent of Plan B One-Step, and the details surrounding its purchase are a critical piece of public health information as of December 2025. What’s truly surprising is not just the availability, but the incredibly low price point—often cited as one of the cheapest options available nationwide—and a little-known policy that makes it accessible to everyone, not just members. This deep dive reveals the exact steps, prices, and policies you need to know before heading to a Costco warehouse.

The availability of affordable emergency contraception like Plan B (Levonorgestrel) has become a key topic in reproductive health access, especially following recent legal and political shifts. Costco's commitment to offering this product at a fraction of the cost found at major drugstores is a game-changer for many, eliminating a significant financial barrier. Understanding the specific procedures for purchasing this time-sensitive medication at a Costco Pharmacy can save you both money and precious time in a moment of urgent need.

The Surprising Costco Price Tag: Why It's So Cheap

One of the most compelling reasons to consider Costco for emergency contraception is the price. While Plan B One-Step can easily cost between $40 and $50—or even up to $60—at major retail pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens, or Rite Aid, the cost at Costco is dramatically lower.

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Based on current customer reports and verified warehouse pricing, the generic version of Plan B, which contains the same active ingredient Levonorgestrel, is frequently sold for as low as $5.99 to $7.00. This price point is revolutionary for a medication that is time-sensitive and often needed quickly. This massive price disparity is due to several factors:

• Generic Medication Focus: Costco primarily stocks the generic version, Levonorgestrel. The FDA requires that generic equivalents have the same efficacy and active ingredients as the brand-name product, making them medically identical in function.
• Bulk Purchasing Power: As one of the largest retailers in the world, Costco leverages its immense buying power to negotiate the lowest possible prices from pharmaceutical suppliers.
• Pharmacy as a Loss Leader: Like many of its other departments, the pharmacy operates on incredibly thin margins, sometimes acting as a "loss leader" to drive overall customer traffic and loyalty, even to non-members.

This low-cost approach ensures that the financial burden of emergency contraception is virtually eliminated for those who can get to a Costco Pharmacy. It is essential to remember that even at this low price, the medication is typically kept behind the pharmacy counter, requiring you to speak with a pharmacist or pharmacy technician to request it.

No Membership? No Problem: How to Buy Plan B at Costco Pharmacy

The most common misconception about shopping at Costco is the requirement of a paid membership. While this rule applies to the main warehouse floor, a crucial federal exemption ensures that certain services, particularly the pharmacy, are accessible to the public regardless of membership status.

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You do NOT need a Costco membership to purchase Plan B or any other prescription or over-the-counter medication from a Costco Pharmacy.

Here is the simple, step-by-step process for a non-member to purchase emergency contraception:

1. Go Directly to the Pharmacy: When you enter the Costco warehouse, bypass the membership check and proceed directly to the pharmacy department.
2. Inform the Greeter (If Necessary): If a door greeter asks for your card, simply state that you are going to the pharmacy. They are instructed to allow access for pharmacy services.
3. Request the Medication: Go to the pharmacy counter and ask the pharmacist or technician for "emergency contraception" or "Plan B." Remember, they will likely provide the generic Levonorgestrel pill.
4. No ID or Prescription Needed: Plan B and its generics are available over-the-counter (OTC) without age restrictions or a prescription for all individuals.
5. Pay at the Pharmacy Register: You will complete the transaction directly at the pharmacy register, which is separate from the main checkout lines. You can pay with cash, credit/debit card, or a health savings account (HSA) card.

This policy is a significant advantage for individuals who need the medication quickly and affordably but do not want to incur the annual membership fee. Some sources suggest that to maintain privacy, you can specifically tell the pharmacy staff that you do not want the purchase linked to a family member's or friend's membership, ensuring a discreet transaction.

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Understanding the Product: Generic vs. Brand and Efficacy

When you ask for Plan B at the Costco Pharmacy, you will almost certainly be given a generic version, most commonly labeled as a single-pill dose of Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg. Understanding the difference between the brand name and the generic is vital for peace of mind.

The Science Behind Levonorgestrel

The active ingredient in Plan B One-Step is Levonorgestrel, a synthetic hormone. The generic options sold at Costco contain the exact same dose of this active ingredient. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandates that generic drugs must be bioequivalent to their brand-name counterparts, meaning they work the same way and provide the same clinical benefit.

Key Efficacy Facts:

• Time is Critical: Emergency contraception is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. It is approved for use up to 72 hours (3 days) after the event, but its effectiveness decreases over time.
• Mechanism: The pill primarily works by preventing ovulation (the release of an egg). If ovulation has already occurred, it may prevent fertilization or implantation. It is important to note that Levonorgestrel is not an abortion pill; it will not work if a person is already pregnant.
• Shelf Life: Many customers purchase and stockpile these low-cost generic pills. The typical shelf life for Plan B and Levonorgestrel is between 3 and 5 years, making the Costco deal an excellent opportunity for preparation.

Some Costco locations may enforce a purchase limit, such as two pills per day, to prevent shortages, especially during periods of high demand. This is a common practice to ensure equitable access for the community.

Costco's Stance on Emergency Contraception vs. Abortion Pills

In the complex landscape of reproductive health access, it is crucial to distinguish between emergency contraception (like Plan B) and the abortion pill (Mifepristone). Costco's policy clearly differentiates between the two, which is an important entity to note for topical authority.

The Mifepristone Distinction

While Costco is a reliable and affordable source for the Levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive pill, the company has taken a specific position regarding the abortion pill, Mifepristone.

Costco has decided not to sell the abortion pill mifepristone across its U.S. pharmacy stores. The reported reason for this decision is cited as low demand, as the distribution of Mifepristone is highly regulated and often handled through specialized clinics or mail-order pharmacies.

This distinction reinforces the fact that Plan B is viewed as a form of family planning and contraception, not a method of abortion. The availability of Plan B at such a low cost at Costco is a major factor in ensuring access to preventative reproductive health care for millions of Americans, especially in light of the ongoing debate surrounding reproductive rights and access to care. Shoppers looking for other family planning supplies, such as traditional contraceptives, condoms, and pregnancy tests, can also find excellent deals both in the warehouse and on Costco.com.

In summary, the Costco Plan B price and non-member policy are significant resources for affordable emergency contraception. By understanding the generic equivalent (Levonorgestrel), the simple pharmacy process, and the distinction from other medications, you can confidently and quickly access this essential reproductive health tool.