Family planning is important, but sometimes people are worried about the costs. With the Family Planning Benefit Program, you can get the reproductive health services you need.
What is the Family Planning Benefit Program (FPBP)?
The FPBP is a public health insurance program for New Yorkers who need family planning services, but may not be able to afford them. It is intended to increase access to confidential family planning services and to enable teens, women and men of childbearing age to prevent and/or reduce the incidence of unintentional pregnancies.
How do I know if I qualify for the FPBP?
You may be eligible for the FPBP if:
- You are a female or male of childbearing age;
- You are a New York State resident;
- You are a U. S. citizen, national, Native American, or have satisfactory immigration status;
- You meet certain income requirements (currently under 223% of the Federal Poverty Level) ; and
- You are not already enrolled in Medicaid.
You may still be eligible for the FPBP if you are already covered by other health insurance (including Child Health Plus) but you wish to apply only for Family Planning Services coverage. You may choose to apply only for the Family Planning Benefit Program and not to apply for Medicaid/Child Health Plus comprehensive public health insurance coverage.
What health services are covered by the FPBP?
Family Planning Services include:
- Most FDA approved birth control methods, devices, and supplies (e.g., birth control pills, injectables, or patches, condoms, diaphragms, IUDs)
- Emergency contraception services and follow-up care
- Male and female sterilization
- Preconception counseling and preventive screening and family planning options before pregnancy
- Transportation to family planning visits
- Retroactive coverage (up to 3 months, if eligible)
The following additional services are considered family planning only when provided within the context of a family planning visit and when the service provided is directly related to family planning:
- Pregnancy testing and counseling
- Comprehensive health history and physical examination, including breast exam and referrals to primary care providers as indicated (Mammograms are not covered).
- Screening and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STI’s)
- Screening for cervical cancer and urinary tract or female-related infections
- Screening and related diagnostic laboratory testing for medical conditions that affect the choice of birth control, e.g. a history of diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, blood clots, etc.
- HIV counseling and testing
- Counseling services related to pregnancy, informed consent, and STD/HIV risk counseling
- Bone density scan (only for women who plan to use or are currently using Depo-Provera)
- Ultrasound (to assess placement of an intrauterine device)
If you are eligible for the FPBP, you will receive a Common Benefit Identification Card (CBIC), if you do not already have one, which must be used each time you need covered Family Planning services. Recipient co-pays are not required for covered Family Planning Services. Family Planning Benefit Program recipients are exempt from Managed Care Health Insurance Plan enrollment.
Where do I get family planning services covered by the FPBP?
There are many health care providers that can provide confidential family planning services under this program, including hospital based and free-standing clinics, family planning clinics, county health department clinics, federally qualified health centers, rural health centers, obstetricians and gynecologists, physicians, licensed midwives, nurse practitioners, pharmacies, and laboratories. If you need help in locating a Medicaid enrolled family planning provider in your area, please call toll free at 1-800-541-2831 for assistance.
How do I apply for the FPBP?
You can go to a Family Planning Services Provider for a presumptive eligibility screening and/or to get an FPBP application and enrollment assistance. You may access a list of these locations by visiting the Family Planning Program Sites website.
If you need your application to remain completely confidential with regard to your residence address, you must clearly tell the person enrolling you on your application and give them a safe and confidential mailing address and contact phone number so they may reach you if needed to further determine your eligibility for the FPBP
If you need to learn more about FPBP, call Mohawk Valley Perinatal Network at 315-732-4657 or toll free 877-267-6193.