State Medicaid Family Planning Eligibility Expansions
- Posted by e2 on 02.12.09
- Tags Family Changes, Modern Family
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In recent years, several usa states have expanded eligibility for Medicaid coverage of family planning services by securing approval (officially known as a “waiver” of federal policy) from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (formerly the Health Care Financing Administration).
Some states have obtained approval to continue Medicaid coverage of family planning services for women who would otherwise lose Medicaid coverage postpartum. (All states are required to fund pregnancy-related care, including family planning services, for 60 days postpartum to women with incomes up to at least 133% of the federal poverty level—far above states’ regular Medicaid eligibility ceilings.) Other states have granted coverage solely on the basis of income to individuals not previously covered under Medicaid.
HIGHLIGHTS:
27 states have obtained federal approval to extend Medicaid eligibility for family planning services to
individuals who would otherwise not be eligible.
4 states have extended eligibility for family planning services to women losing Medicaid postpartum;
eligibility generally lasts for two years.
2 states provide family planning benefits for women losing Medicaid for any reason.
21 states provide family planning benefits to individuals based on income; most states set the income
ceiling at or near 200% of poverty.
8 states provide family planning benefits to men and women.
8 states limit their programs to women who are at least 19 years of age; 3 states limit their programs to
women who are at least 18 years of age.
6 states have adopted procedures allowing clients to apply and receive services at an initial family planning
visit while assuring reimbursement to providers.
16 of the states with income-based waivers assist providers or clients with application costs.
15 states access necessary documentation at no cost to the applicant.
4 states reimburse providers for the cost of assisting with the application process.
