An unexpected pregnancy can completely alter the course of a young person's life as well as place additional strain on an already financially strapped family household. Within the state of New York, the Medicaid health insurance system offers family planning services through the Family Planning Benefit Program, also known as FPBP. Program options enable individuals and families to reduce the likelihood of an unplanned pregnancy.
Eligibility
As a New York State program, eligibility requirements for the Family Benefit Planning Program only apply for New York state residents. Men and women between the ages of 10 and 64 can qualify for help, provided annual income earnings meet program requirements, according to the New York State Department of Health. Eligible persons must have incomes at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Eligible applicants must also have a United States citizenship or a legal immigration status. Medicaid eligibility isn't a requirement for persons unable to qualify for Medicaid or for those who only wish to apply for the Family Planning Program.
Program Options
The Family Planning Benefit Program offers individuals and families medical treatment options that help to prevent unexpected pregnancies from occurring. In doing so, individuals and families can take control of their family planning options using medically safe practices. Treatments and services available through the Family Benefit Program include birth control options, sterilization, pregnancy testing as well as STD and HIV counseling and testing. As pregnancy prevention is the primary focus of the program, abortion procedures and pregnancy-related treatment services are not covered.
Application Requirements
Anyone who currently has Medicaid Managed Care health-care coverage can apply for the Family Planning Benefit Program. Individuals who don't have Medicaid coverage can apply for Family Planning Program benefits, provided they meet the income level requirements. Under the program, eligible recipients can receive family planning assistance from any service provider that accepts Medicaid health insurance and offers family planning services. Prior approvals or referrals from a person's primary care physician are not required, according to the New York State Department of Health. Eligible recipients can also go outside their managed care plan network when choosing a family planning provider agency.
Program Coverage
Once approved for the Medicaid Family Planning Benefit Program, individuals receive a Medicaid card in the mail that covers the costs of any family planning services. Costs covered under the program include initial and follow-up appointments, counseling services and pharmacy costs for FDA approved birth control medications or devices, provided the pharmacy accepts Medicaid health insurance. Birth control coverage includes pills, patches, IUDs and condoms. The program covers the costs of family planning services for one year with the option to reapply for continued coverage.
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