GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) – Access to reproductive health services has expanded in the east, particularly for low-income residents.

According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, the program will now cover the over-the-counter oral contraceptive Opill.

They say the birth control medication is now available through local and retail pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens without a prescription and at no cost for beneficiaries.

Stephana Gibbs says she agrees with the landmark decision.

“There’s too many people out here having kids that shouldn’t have them and a lot of times they can’t afford to take care of them or feed them,” says Gibbs.

Governor Roy Cooper made the Medicaid coverage announcement on Wednesday in Chapel Hill with North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services leadership and a representative from Walgreens.

Health officials say Medicaid began covering Opill in pharmacies across the state on August 1st.