Preventing pregnancy has never been cheaper for insured people in Maryland. On Tuesday, the state's governor signed the Contraceptive Equity Act into law, effectively ending out-of-pocket costs for all forms of contraception.



The law expands on the Affordable Care Act and goes into effect in 2018. It makes Maryland the first in the nation to mandate coverage for emergency contraceptives like Plan B.

SEE ALSO: World's oldest person dies in New York City, aged 116



Additionally, all types of birth control pills will be free, and trips to the pharmacy will be dramatically reduced as women can get up to six months of pills at a time. Women who prefer a long-acting contraceptive like an IUD no longer need preauthorization.



But this law isn't just for the ladies — insurance agencies regulated by the state will soon be forced to eliminate out-of-pocket costs for men who have vasectomies.



These changes could save people a lot of money. According to Planned Parenthood, vasectomies can cost up to $1,000, and common "morning-after" pills range from $25 to $65.

RELATED: The evolution of birth control



3 PHOTOS The evolution of birth control See Gallery Birth control, Plan B and vasectomies will soon be free in Maryland Closeup still life of Zorane tablets, a series of low-estrogen birth control pills. Shown are three packs, one open, two closed. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) 13th August 1968: Father Paul Weir expounds on his refusal to quit the Catholic church in the St Cecilia Presbytery in North Cheam. Father Paul, 31, was suspended from his duties because he disagrees with the Pope's ruling on birth control. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images) (Photo via Getty) Up Next See Gallery Discover More Like This HIDE CAPTION SHOW CAPTION of SEE ALL BACK TO SLIDE

The bill's sponsor told the Baltimore Sun it was initially met with pushback from insurance agencies but that the act will make a "huge difference in the people's lives."While Maryland is unique in offering full coverage for emergency over-the-counter contraception and vasectomies, more than half of the states in the nation require insurance companies that cover prescription drugs to also cover any type of approved contraceptive.Some states, like California and Oregon, have taken things a step further. Women in those states can get birth control pills without a prescription.

More from :

Jon Stewart to military: 'Trump's going to keep you busy'

Trump calls for Sanders to 'run as an Independent'

Labour's Khan becomes first Muslim mayor of London after bitter campaign