Family Planning Only

What is Family Planning Only?

Family Planning Only provides individuals coverage for family planning services to help them take charge of their lives and prevent unintended pregnancies.

More information

Family Planning Only coverage brochure | Cobertura solamente para planificación familiar (Spanish brochure)

What services are covered?

Family Planning Only covers:

• One comprehensive preventive family planning visit every year (365 days).
• Counseling, education, and/or risk reduction.
• Education and supplies for Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved contraceptives, natural family planning, and/or abstinence.
• Permanent methods such as tubal ligations (tubes tied), hysteroscopic sterilization, or vasectomy.
• When appropriate, pregnancy testing and cervical cancer screening.
• Sexually transmitted infection screening, testing, and treatment, when medically indicated by symptoms or report of exposure, and medically necessary for safe and effective use of the client’s chosen contraceptive method.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations.

Am I eligible?

You may be eligible if you have annual household income at or below the amounts below* and are:

• Uninsured and not eligible for Apple Health (Medicaid) coverage**, or
• Insured and seeking confidential family planning services.

How do I apply?

First, go to Washington Healthplanfinder or call 1-855-923-4633 to learn if you are eligible for Apple Health coverage or a subsidized Qualified Health Plan. They provide full health care coverage, which includes family planning.

If you're a teen you may be eligible for Apple Health coverage on your own. Read more information about health coverage for teens and young adults.

If you're not eligible for Apple Health, make an informed choice to waive your right to apply for Apple Health, or you need confidential services, contact your Apple Health provider and apply for benefits over the phone or in-person. There are many assisters across the state that can help with navigating health care coverage. Learn how to get help with coverage.

You can also apply by:

• Fax: 1-866-841-2267
• Email: apple@hca.wa.gov
• Phone: call the Health Care Authority (HCA) at 1-800-562-3022 ext. 12533
• Mail: HCA MEDS, PO Box 45531, Olympia, WA 98504-5531 without provider assistance.
  • Securely transmit or mail the Application for Family Planning Only services (translated forms available). 

You can re-apply for Family Planning Only coverage every 12-months as long as you are eligible.

Where can I get services?

Services are available from any eligible Apple Health provider. Find a provider who accepts Apple Health. Your provider will help you fill prescriptions at the pharmacy of your choice.

What are covered methods for preventing pregnancy?

Contraception (also commonly referred to as birth control), including all FDA-approved contraceptive methods, such as pills, patch, intrauterine devices also known as long-acting reversible contraception (IUDs, LARCs), and more are covered. 

HCA reimburses certain over the counter (OTC) family planning supplies without a prescription. Per Apple Health policy, the following OTC contraceptives may be dispensed without a prescription:

• Condoms (including female condoms)
• Spermicides (foam, gel, suppositories, and cream)
• Emergency contraception

Read the FAQ on OTCs for Apple Health clients.

Emergency contraception is a covered benefit and can be provided by any Apple Health provider.  Apple Health also covers over-the-counter emergency contraception from pharmacies without a prescription. For more information on emergency contraception, visit the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) Birth control methods webpage.

Prescriptions, except Emergency Contraception, can be filled in a 12-month supply unless indicated otherwise by prescriber or by the client. Supply may vary by pharmacy.

View the Family Planning billing guide for more coverage details.

Waiver authority for the program

On May 9, 2018 the Health Care Authority (the Agency) received approval for renewal of the Section 1115 Family Planning Only Demonstration Waiver for five years (through June 2023). The approval letter, Special Terms and Conditions, and Expenditure Authority can be found on CMS’s website under Washington Family Planning Only Program and then clicking on “Demonstration Approval.”

The Health Care Authority intends to submit an application to extend the Section 1115 Family Planning Only Demonstration Waiver for five years (through July 2028). The current waiver expires on June 30, 2023, and covers limited family planning and family planning-related services for people who are in need of contraceptive care and are enrolled in the Family Planning Only programs. The purpose, client eligibility requirements, and benefit package will remain the same. The only potential change is the elimination of the Family Planning pregnancy-related program, due to the implementation of the After-Pregnancy Coverage program. This change will take effect when the end of the federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) is declared. There is currently no established end date for the PHE.

• View public notice for additional 30-day public comment period on Family Planning Only Demonstration Waiver renewal application (12/19/22-01/19/23).
• View the draft application for the Section 1115 Family Planning Only Demonstration Waiver, updated 12/22. 
• View the interim evaluation report for the current cycle of the 1115 Family Planning Only Demonstration Waiver – submitted to CMS on 11/30/22.
• View the draft application for the Section 1115 Family Planning Only Demonstration Waiver, updated 9/22.
• View the HCA response for FPO waiver webinar public comment period from September 30, 2022 submission.
• View the slides from the public hearing held on June 30, 2022.