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• Baking soda is growing in popularity as a skin care ingredient on social media platforms like TikTok.
• Proponents say that baking soda can improve skin tone, lighten dark spots, and clear up acne.
• Experts warn that baking soda can damage the skin’s PH balance and cause long-term irritation and damage.
• Salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and niacinamide are effective skin care ingredients that are supported by scientific research.

The latest skin care ingredient gaining popularity on social media is also a kitchen staple.

Enthusiasts claim that baking soda can brighten dark spots, improve skin tone, and clear breakouts.

Some TikTok users, for example, have been mixing baking soda with water and applying it to their skin. Others have created their own at-home baking soda skin care products by combining it with coconut oil and vaseline. 

Proponents say this makeshift exfoliant offers instant results, but dermatologists warn that applying baking soda to your skin may come with risks like irritation and sensitivity.

Can baking soda promote brighter skin?

While baking soda may seem like a quick and affordable skin care solution, the beauty hack may do more harm than good.

“There is scant evidence on the use of baking soda for the skin,” Pooja Sodha, MD, associate professor of dermatology at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, told Healthline. 

“Though social media trends show people with glowing or clear skin, it’s important to recognize that this is a very small group of people and skin appearance is a function of so much more than what you put on your face, for example, genetics, lifestyle, sleep, diet, etc,” she continued. 

“To believe that one ingredient, such as this, can make the difference, is far too simplistic and dangerous.” 

A prominent claim about baking soda as a skin care ingredient is that it may lighten dark spots and even out skin tone. 

“People often tell me their skin looks brighter after using baking soda, and I understand why they think it’s working,” Hannah Kopelman, MD, a dermatologist at Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery, told Healthline. 

“What is really happening is just a temporary change from removing oil and dead cells on the surface, while the deeper pigment that causes dark spots is not touched at all,” she explained. 

Hyperpigmentation comes from melanin in the lower layers of the skin, and baking soda cannot reach that far. In fact, Kopelman said it’s possible that baking soda could make uneven skin tone and dark spots worse. 

“I have actually seen it cause darker discoloration, especially in people with medium or deeper skin tones,” she said. 

Is baking soda helpful for acne? 

Those with persistent acne might be willing to try just about anything to clear up their skin, but baking soda could make it worse. 

“It dries out pimples fast, and at first, it can look like it’s helping. But when I see people who have used it, their skin is often red, peeling, and breaking out even more,” said Kopelman. 

This may be down to baking soda being too harsh and causing skin barrier damage. 

“When the barrier is damaged, bacteria can get in and cause more inflammation. Acne needs gentle and consistent care, not harsh scrubbing or kitchen remedies,” Kopelman explained. 

Sodha agreed. 

“When applied to healthy skin, baking soda may dismantle the acidic protective layer of the skin and strip natural lipids [or] oils from the skin,” she said. 

“Over multiple applications, if not after one, this may lead to increased dryness, skin sensitivity, breakouts, and redness.” 

Sodha said this additional side effect could exacerbate symptoms associated with chronic skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.

Baking soda may damage skin’s pH

With continued use, baking soda could disrupt the skin’s delicate pH balance and lead to long-term damage.

“Your skin naturally has a slightly acidic pH that helps it hold moisture and protect against bacteria. Baking soda is alkaline, which throws that balance completely off,” Kopelman said. 

Once that happens, your skin may feel dry, flaky, and extra sensitive.

“I often compare it to removing your skin’s natural armor because it leaves you exposed and vulnerable. Things that never used to sting can suddenly cause irritation,” Kopelman added.

Over time, skin issues like these can become chronic. 

“I have treated people who developed burning, stinging, and small cracks in their skin after using baking soda scrubs. Over time, that kind of irritation can lead to chronic redness, sensitivity, or dark patches that take months to fade,” Kopelman said. 

“From what I have seen, people with acne-prone or sensitive skin are especially likely to react badly to it,” she continued. 

Safer skin care alternatives 

There are many safe and affordable skin care alternatives to baking soda for healthy skin.

To minimize irritation, Kopelman said keeping your skin care routine simple is usually best. “A gentle cleanser, a lightweight moisturizer, and sunscreen every morning are essential,” she said. 

If you want to exfoliate, Kopelman recommended ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and niacinamide, which she said are affordable and supported by evidence. 

“The truth is that healthy skin comes from consistency and patience, not quick kitchen fixes,” she said.

For those who’ve tried baking soda on their skin, there are some strategies to help soothe any irritation.

“If your skin feels tight, dry, or red after using baking soda, stop immediately and focus on calming it down,” Kopleman said.

“I usually tell people to use a hydrating cleanser and a soothing moisturizer with ceramides, squalane, or panthenol for at least a week.” 

It’s also best to avoid exfoliating or using strong products during this time. 

If your skin does not settle, Kopleman said you may need to visit a dermatologist to calm the inflammation and help your skin recover.

While beauty hacks on social media boast quick fixes with big promises, they’re often not evidence-based and may do more harm than good. 

When choosing what to put on your skin, you can always consult reputable sources like the American Academy of Dermatology or ask a dermatologist or another skin care professional for guidance.

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• Nearly 1 in 4 U.S. adults experienced a mental illness in 2024, according to a new report.
• Though youth mental illness has improved, it is still in a state of crisis, with 3 million children from 12 to 17 frequently considering suicide.
• Access to mental health care varies from state to state, with needs often going unmet due to a lack of available or affordable services.

Nearly a quarter of all U.S. adults, or around 23%, experienced a mental illness in the past year, according to a new report. That’s nearly 60 million Americans.

The “The State of Mental Health in America 2025” report, issued by Mental Health America (MHA), found that mental health among U.S. adults remained generally the same from 2021 to 2024.

The report also ranks U.S states according to residents’ reported mental well-being and the mental health care available in each state.

New York, Hawaii, and New Jersey have the strongest mental health and mental health services.

The lowest-ranking states for mental health are Alabama, Arizona, and Nevada.

America’s youth continue to face mental health challenges. Around 11%, or 2.8 million young people, experienced a major depressive episode (MDE) that affected their ability to function at school, home, or at a job in 2024.

Even so, there has been a significant improvement in mental health among American youth, with young people reporting MDE dropping from around 18% in 2023 to 15% in 2024.

Suicidal thoughts among young people also decreased in those two years, from around 12% in 2023 to 10% in 2024.

Nearly 3 million young people ages 12–17 reported frequent thoughts of suicide in 2024.

Around 1 in 4 adults with any mental illness (AMI) said they had an unmet need for mental health care in 2022 and 2023. In 2022 and 2023, over 5 million people, or around 9% of the population, were uninsured.

Access to healthcare has become more uncertain in 2025, a period beyond the scope of the report.

More Americans seeking mental health support

The state of mental health among U.S. adults has remained the same in recent years, highlighting ongoing challenges.

“The fact that nearly 1 in 4 adults still report significant struggles, and many describe unmet needs, tells us the system is not meeting demand,” Barbara Sparacino, MD, a board certified psychiatrist with The Aging Parent Coach in Florida, told Healthline.

There may also be more people seeking treatment than before. “I think the U.S. has reduced the stigma around mental health concerns and treatment, which was a big barrier to people receiving help,” said Adrienne Borschuk, PhD, a psychologist at SUNY Upstate.

“Mental health services for children are being integrated into schools and doctors’ offices, which has increased availability for some families,” Borschuk told Healthline.

Loraine Moorehead, LCSW, a therapist in Scottsdale, Arizona, said that the report singles out “primary care treatment, and that is an initiative that is being implemented with Medicaid clients as well: to encourage ongoing preventive mental health care rather than solely crisis care.”

Medicaid emphasized peer support when therapeutic services are not available.

Barriers to mental health care

The report found nearly 27% of adults experience 14 or more days a month during which they were unable to get help for mental health issues due to cost.

In addition, there was just one mental health professional available to every 320 individuals in the United States.

Of adults with substance misuse, 77% did not receive treatment.

Michael Roeske, PsyD, senior director of the Newport Healthcare Center for Research and Innovation, told Healthline that the new report’s findings highlight a “critical gap between awareness and access.”

As the report suggests, the cost of mental health services is likely a barrier to care. Differences in insurance coverage are a significant factor determining the quality of states’ mental health support services.

“I worry that recent changes to medical legislation, including cuts to Medicare and Medicaid, are limiting access to mental health services for those that are most in need,” said Borschuk.

“Social safety net programs, like food stamps and temporary assistance to needy families, which are also being cut, directly impact child brain development, with more robust support associated with healthier brain development and fewer behavioral health symptoms,” she noted.

Sparacino told Healthline that ongoing shortages of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, therapists, and psychiatric nurse practitioners, particularly in rural areas, are another factor driving unfavorable mental health outcomes in some states.

In addition to cost, time is another factor. Many people might not be able to take time off work or be away from their families to receive mental health services.

“Having a weekly hourly therapy appointment can be burdensome for people to fit into their schedules, especially if it’s in-person,” Borschuk explained. “Many therapists schedule between 8–5, which can require families to take time off from work or school. A weekly copay can add up to be unaffordable.”

Accessing mental health care wherever you live

Wherever you live, there are resources available to support your mental health.

For younger people, most schools offer mental health services through guidance counselors or on-site psychiatric or psychological services.

For adults, it is often a good idea to begin with one’s primary care provider, who may be able to provide a referral.

Sparacino said that if cost is a factor, telehealth, integrated care in primary practices, sliding-scale clinics, and peer support programs are other options.

Moorehead told Healthline that low-cost or free support may exist nearby, such as graduate school counseling centers and volunteer or pro bono centers.

“Mental health care doesn’t exist in isolation,” said Sparacino. “It’s tied to housing, employment, education, and social supports. Addressing mental health requires not only clinical services, but also investment in the broader determinants of well-being.”

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• The American Cancer Society reports that early onset breast cancer in females under 50 is on the rise.
• Three younger women share their breast cancer journeys and the actions they take to stay in remission.
• Experts explain why breast cancer is occurring in younger women and how healthy habits may help reduce the risk of recurrence.

Since the American Cancer Society (ACS) launched Breast Cancer Awareness month 40 years ago, the campaign has helped save nearly half a million lives, seeing a 42% decline in breast cancer-related deaths.

Despite this, the ACS reports that more young women under 50 are being diagnosed with breast cancer than ever before.

“The diagnosis of breast cancer in women less than 50 is related to multiple factors such as lifestyle changes, including obesity, changed reproductive patterns such as delayed childbirth, breast density, genetic predisposition, and environmental exposures,” Ellen Early, MD, medical oncologist at Atlantic Health Morristown Medical Center, told Healthline.

Regardless of age, the most common type of breast cancer is estrogen receptor (ER)-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer. However, younger females are more susceptible to HER2-positive or triple-negative breast cancer than older females, according to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Tumors associated with HER2-positive breast cancer contain high levels of the protein HER2, which results in rapid cancer cell growth and spread. These tumors are also more likely to respond to treatments targeting the HER2 protein.

Starr Mautner, MD, breast surgical oncologist at Miami Cancer Institute, part of Baptist Health South Florida, told Healthline that the reason why these breast cancer types are more likely in younger females is likely due to multiple factors, including:

• delayed childbearing
• obesity
• alcohol use

“We know these are all risk factors for breast cancer, but there are also young women being diagnosed with breast cancer who do not have these risk factors, so there is likely an environmental exposure or component that is adding to this risk,” Mautner told Healthline.

“The combination of lifestyle changes and environmental exposures has produced a cohort effect that may help explain why women born in later decades have an increased risk of breast cancer.”

Healthy lifestyle habits improve survival rates

Breast cancer is often treatable when detected early. Despite this, it is a long journey through treatment and recovery.

When breast cancer is in remission, experts say that following a healthy lifestyle should be a top priority.

Mautner noted the many benefits of regular exercise. She echoed current physical activity guidelines, which recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week. Muscle-strengthening exercises should be performed at least two days a week. 

“Exercise is helpful for overall physical health, mental health, and heart health, and decreases breast cancer recurrence,” Mautner said.

Other healthy lifestyle habits have also been associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer recurrence.

“Women who want to decrease their risk of recurrence should also try to abstain from alcohol and eat a healthy, well-balanced diet, avoiding processed foods if possible,” Mautner said.

3 breast cancer survivors share their stories

As more young women are diagnosed with breast cancer, they may also face unique challenges.

Those with families may have to manage work-life balance and child care while navigating the physical and emotional toll of treatment, which may include chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, or a combination.

“Treatment may affect all aspects of their lives,” Early said. “As primary caregivers, women are not accustomed to placing themselves first.”

Early noted that navigating early onset breast cancer may also interrupt decisions around family planning. The side effects of certain treatments may also lead to early menopause.

To learn more about the impacts of early onset breast cancer, Healthline talked to three survivors about their experiences and the healthy habits they practice that help them stay in remission.

Danielle Lindner, 54

Linder was 48 when she found a lump in her breast that led to a stage 1A breast cancer diagnosis. At the time, she was running a preschool and raising two daughters.

After undergoing a lumpectomy and radiation, she realized she had to prioritize herself.

 “So, in came what I liked to call ‘The Cancer Coupon.’ If I was going to need a year to get healthy so I could be around for my family and business, I was going to use that coupon to ask for help, take some time for me, and really focus on getting cured,” Lindner said.

Today, she continues to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables.

“I don’t eat a lot of processed foods or foods with high sugar or corn syrup and mostly it’s just important to keep an active lifestyle,” she said.

“[It’s] also about living your best life! Spending time with friends, spending time with family, working on things you love, and exploring the world. For me, travel adds to my mental and physical well-being.”

Stephanie Rico Masterson, 32 

Masterson was 28, newly married, and working as a pediatric nurse when she felt an unusual pain under her armpit. After an ultrasound, she was diagnosed with stage 4 invasive ductal carcinoma.

Before starting treatment, which included chemotherapy, double mastectomy, liver ablation, and radiation, she froze her eggs. Now cancer-free and the mother of a baby girl through surrogacy, she is grateful for fertility preservation.

“It’s because of modern medicine and advancement in research and technology that all of this is even possible,” she said. “In the middle of a cancer diagnosis, when so much feels out of your control, this can be one thing that helps protect your future and gives you hope for life after treatment.”

In addition to eating healthy and staying active, cultivating her personal relationships helps her maintain a positive mindset.

“My healthiest habit is honestly stepping away from social media and focusing on what’s right in front of me. Building friendships in person, having meaningful conversations, and experiencing life through my own lens rather than a screen,” said Rico Masterson.

“[Because] so many parts of [my life] were once taken away from me, I now make it a point to live life fully. That’s the best way to keep your mind and body in remission after cancer.”

Natalia Socorro, 36 

Socorro was 33, an assistant principal, and a mother of four when she discovered a lump in her breast that she initially dismissed as a postpartum change due to nursing.

At her one-year checkup, she was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma. She underwent surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, and three years later, continues to take medication and get routine scans.

“They’re a constant reminder of what I’ve been through, but also a reassurance that I’m still here, still fighting, and still being cared for,” she said.

Socorro cherishes the people closest to her and recently renewed her vows with her husband. She also channels her energy into advocacy and fundraising for cancer research.

“I’ve chosen to share my story, even the vulnerable parts, because I believe stories bring change,” she said. “I support fundraising events, connect with women going through treatment, and use my platform to keep breast cancer research and awareness at the forefront.”

For Socorro, thriving after cancer means living each day with intention.

“Nourishing my body with good food, staying active, and prioritizing rest. Just as important, I hold on to gratitude and keep my faith at the center of everything. That’s how I continue to thrive, even after cancer,” she said.

• The Medicare open enrollment period begins on October 15 for older adults who wish to enroll in or change their current health insurance plans.
• There’s expected to be slightly fewer Medicare Advantage plans offered nationwide, although the average premium is forecasted to decrease.
• The annual cap on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs will rise slightly, but Medicare officials will continue to negotiate price reductions with pharmaceutical companies.

The open enrollment period for Medicare begins this year on October 15 and lasts until December 7.

This eligibility window is for people ages 65 years and older who wish to sign up for the federally funded health program or change their current plans.

Medicare officials say much of this government healthcare system will remain the same in 2026 as it was in 2025.

However, Medicare recipients should note a number of changes. The most important involves prescription drug coverage and increases in some premiums.

“Open enrollment is the opportunity to look at your current plan and add or remove benefits,” said Kanwar Kelley, MD, a specialist in otolaryngology head and neck surgery, obesity medicine, and lifestyle medicine, and the co-founder and chief executive officer of Side Health in Orinda, CA.

“Because plans can change annually, it is a good idea to review your plan to ensure it is working well for you. If not, make adjustments to ensure you are satisfied with your coverage,” Kelley told Healthline.

Whitney Stidom, the vice president of consumer enablement at eHealth, agreed.

“Medicare beneficiaries should take a proactive approach during this year’s annual enrollment period, as major changes to plan costs and benefits are expected for 2026,” she told Healthline. “Comparing Medicare Advantage plans can help people find coverage that better aligns with their healthcare needs and financial priorities, potentially saving them over $1,800 annually in out-of-pocket costs while maintaining access to quality care.” 

In addition, there may also be some uncertainties if the federal government shutdown lasts for an extended period of time. The processing of claims by recipients and payments to medical providers could potentially be delayed.

“If the shutdown drags on long enough, it could eventually result in longer-than-expected processing times for non-urgent questions,” Stidom said. “Beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement and Medicare Part D plans will be unaffected by a government shutdown, as long as they access support through insurance agents or private insurance companies that offer these plans.” 

Telehealth services could also be impacted by the shutdown. Some telehealth programs that were offered over the past several years expired on October 1, and Congress didn’t take action to renew them. That means telehealth coverage could once again be limited to people in rural areas and places with healthcare professional shortages.

“Patients will continue to lose access to telemedicine until a new bill is passed. They can also expect administrative delays while staff is furloughed,” Kelley said.

Here is some vital information and important changes to know about Medicare in 2026.

Basic facts about Medicare

About 69 million people in the United States get health coverage under the Medicare system.

About 90% of those covered are 65 years or older. Most of those under 65 are people with certain disabilities.

Basic Medicare coverage includes what’s known as Part A and Part B.

Part A covers inpatient care at hospitals, critical access hospitals, and skilled nursing facilities. It also helps cover hospice care and some home healthcare. It’s estimated that only 1% of people on Part A pay a monthly premium.

Part B covers necessary medical services, such as ambulances, as well as preventive services such as screenings. Premiums are usually deducted from a person’s monthly Social Security check.

It’s estimated that about 51% of Medicare recipients have supplemental health insurance such as a Medicare Advantage plan.

It’s also estimated that about 81% of Medicare recipients are also enrolled in Part D, which covers prescription drug expenses.

Medicare plans and premiums

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) estimates there will be about 5,600 Medicare Advantage Plans available nationwide in 2026.

That’s close to the same number as 2025, when the number of options decreased from the previous year.

The number of plans available to an individual Medicare recipient varies from state to state.

In addition, some Medicare Advantage providers have said they may scale back their service areas and coverage options.

Experts say fewer programs or choices could have some impact on consumers.

“Fewer Medicare Advantage plans will result in less overall choice,” said Kelley. “Fewer choices could lead to high costs due to a lack of other coverages… Fewer plans likely result in less flexibility and reduced access to your physicians and practitioners.”

“However, fewer plans mean that some consolidate and offer higher-quality plans overall. The additional quality may make these plans more effective in the long run,” he added.

The annual out-of-pocket limit for in-network services for Medicare Advantage recipients will decrease slightly from $9,350 in 2025 to $9,250 in 2026.

The average monthly premium for Medicare Advantage plans with prescription drug coverage is projected to decrease from $16 in 2025 to $14 in 2026.

However, the average Part B premium is estimated to rise from $257 in 2025 to $288 in 2026.

Prescription drug coverage

The number of stand-alone Part D plans nationwide is forecasted to decrease from 464 in 2025 to 360 in 2026. However, many of these plans are expected to have slightly lower premiums.

The CMS estimates that monthly premiums for stand-alone Part D plans will drop from $38 in 2025 to $34 in 2026. Premiums for Part D that are part of Medicare Advantage plans will dip slightly from $13 to $11 per month.

The annual cap on out-of-pocket expenses for Part D drugs will increase slightly from $2,000 in 2025 to $2,100 in 2026.

“The out-of-pocket cap for prescriptions is beneficial for those who take expensive medications,” said Kelley. “Once that mark is reached, there are no more out-of-pocket costs for those medications, providing significant relief for seniors and those suffering from chronic diseases.”

The out-of-pocket cost for insulin will remain at $35 per month, and most vaccines will still be covered under Part D.

However, earlier this year, the Trump administration decided against Medicare covering the cost of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs like Ozempic.

The annual deductibles for Part D coverage are expected to increase. While the amounts can vary, the maximum any plan can charge will rise from $590 in 2025 to $615 in 2026.

In addition, Medicare officials will continue to negotiate prices for drugs covered under Part D, which experts say could lower some the cost of some medications.

People with Part D plans will also continue to be able to utilize an automatic prescription payment plan that spreads out drug costs over the year. People who currently have this plan will be automatically re-enrolled for 2026 unless they opt out.

“The ability to spread payments over the year also makes the pricing more manageable,” said Kelley. “It will hopefully curb the number of individuals who have to ration funds to afford their medication. This change will save individuals a lot of costs of acquiring their drugs and prevent worsening of their conditions due to a lack of prescription access.”

Other changes in Medicare coverage

CMS officials say they’ve introduced new features on their website that make it easier for recipients to compare Medicare plans.

In addition, there is an artificial intelligence tool that will help recipients compare prescription drug prices across pharmacies.

CMS officials have also established new limits on the types of programs that can be covered by Medicare Advantage programs.

In addition, six states — New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona, and Washington — will begin using an AI-assisted program to approve or deny coverage of medical services provided to people who have Medicare plans that don’t include a Medicare Advantage supplement.

Advice for Medicare recipients

Stidom said that most people with current plans should have received an annual notice from their insurance provider detailing any changes in their coverage. She noted it’s important for consumers to read this notification.

“Medicare Advantage and Part D plan enrollees should know how their current coverage may be changing before reviewing their plan options for 2026,” Stidom said. “This fall, millions of Medicare beneficiaries will be facing significant changes to their benefits, increases to their costs, and adjustments to their plan’s care provider network.”

She added that people whose lose insurance coverage have an important decision to make.

“Beneficiaries whose Medicare Advantage plans are being discontinued in 2026 will face special challenges,” Stidom said. “They will be required to find a new Medicare Advantage plan or else return to Original Medicare, which could leave them with significant coverage gaps and no prescription drug benefit, unless they turn to Medicare Supplement and stand-alone Part D coverage, which can be costly.”

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• The FDA recently approved a new generic version of the abortion pill, mifepristone.
• This approval will help make medication abortion more affordable and increase access.
• Despite political controversy surrounding medication abortion, mifepristone, generic or otherwise, is safe and effective.
• The new drug’s manufacturer expects its generic mifepristone to become available in January 2026, but insurance coverage will vary largely depending on each state’s laws.

In a significant development for reproductive healthcare access, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new generic version of mifepristone, a medication used in combination with misoprostol for the medical termination of pregnancy up to 70 days of gestation. 

The approval, granted to Evita Solutions, LLC under Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) 216616, confirms that the generic mifepristone tablets (200 milligrams) are bioequivalent and therapeutically equivalent to the brand-name product Mifeprex, manufactured by Danco Laboratories, LLC.

This decision, effective immediately, means that healthcare providers and patients will soon have access to a lower cost alternative to the branded medication, potentially expanding availability and affordability. 

This approval marks a notable shift toward increasing reproductive healthcare access while maintaining comprehensive safety measures.

Generic abortion pill helps reduce abortion stigma

Since the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, access to safe abortion has become restricted across the United States.

Kate McLean, MD, an OB-GYN and chief medical officer at Evvy, told Healthline that the FDA’s approval of a generic abortion pill is a step toward expanding access to safe, evidence-based reproductive care.

“Reproductive autonomy is foundational to women’s health, and affordability and accessibility are central to that,” she noted, adding that cost, geography, and stigma have long kept this essential care out of reach for many females.

McLean explained that the availability of a generic option makes this medication more affordable.

This is important, she said, because restrictive policies and limited options can endanger the physical and emotional health of anyone seeking an abortion.

“Expanding access through generics is not only a scientific milestone but a moral one,” she said, “reaffirming that every person deserves agency over their own body and healthcare decisions.”

McLean said, however, that access is only part of the equation.

“Stigma remains one of the biggest barriers to care,” she said. “Whether we’re talking about abortion, vaginal health, or fertility, shame and silence keep women from seeking the help they need.”

According to McLean, destigmatizing vaginal and reproductive health helps improve overall health outcomes.

“When we normalize conversations about the vaginal microbiome, sexual health, or abortion, we make it safer for women to ask questions, get care earlier, and make informed choices about their bodies,” she explained.

Mifepristone is safe, effective for abortion

Charles M. Carlsen, MD, an OB-GYN and founder of Dr.Sono, emphasized that mifepristone is safe and effective when used as directed, despite political and ideological controversy surrounding it.

“The ruckus is less about the drug per se and more about the strong emotions people carry about abortion,” he said. “It involves personal values, religion, and politics, so immediately it’s a volatile issue.”

Decades of research confirm that mifepristone is safe for women to use. Other studies demonstrate that there is no meaningful difference between using a generic version of a brand-name drug.

“Currently, both … are regulated under the same safety guidelines,” said Carlsen. “Only licensed physicians and pharmacies are allowed to prescribe and distribute it.”

Carlsen further noted that there are guidelines in place that doctors follow when prescribing this medication.

“They are there for women to receive appropriate care, appropriate counseling, and appropriate follow-through,” he said. “And even with a generic, your safety filters don’t go away.”

In its letter to Evita, the FDA also emphasized that the generic will be distributed under the same strict safety protocols as the original drug.

Mifepristone is subject to a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program, a federally mandated system designed to ensure that the drug’s benefits outweigh its risks. 

The approved REMS includes “Elements to Assure Safe Use” and requires that the program be fully operational before the product enters interstate commerce.

The mifepristone REMS program is a single, shared system among all drug manufacturers, meaning Evita Solutions’ product will join the existing safety framework, which includes provider certification, patient agreements, and controlled distribution channels to safeguard patient health. 

When will generic mifepristone be available?

Louise Norris, health policy analyst for healthinsurance.org, said that Evita Solutions expects its generic mifepristone to launch by January 2026.

She additionally noted that generic mifepristone has been available from another drug maker, GenBioPro, for several years.

Regarding insurance coverage, Norris said that health plans can update their formularies soon after, or they might wait until the next quarter or plan year to add the new medication.

However, “they are not obligated to add a new generic medication to their formulary, so coverage specifics for mifepristone will vary from one health plan to another,” she said.

Norris further explained that some states have laws banning its use for abortion, or they ban state-regulated health plans from covering it.

On the other hand, some states require these plans to cover abortion.

“So health coverage for abortion, including medication abortion, varies greatly by state,” she said.

Further complicating matters, mifepristone is widely used for the management of miscarriages, so it may be available and even covered by insurance for this purpose in states where abortion is illegal.

To find out whether your health plan covers mifepristone, including the newly available generic version, she said it’s first important to understand whether that coverage is limited to miscarriage management or other non-abortion care, or if it covers all approved uses.

“Once Evita Solutions’ generic mifepristone is available, consumers can follow up with their health plan to see if it’s covered and, if so, how much they’ll pay for it as part of their out-of-pocket costs,” said Norris.

Generic mifepristone improves affordability, access

The FDA’s approval of Evita Solutions’ generic mifepristone promises wider access to a safe, effective, and lower-cost option for medication abortion.

While insurance coverage and state laws vary, the generic will follow strict safety protocols under the shared REMS program.

Experts emphasize that expanding affordability and destigmatizing care are key steps in supporting reproductive health.

Consulting with your health insurance provider can help you better understand how this medication approval will affect you.

Laser eye surgery stands as a popular choice for vision correction, promising…

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