Family Planning Only

What is Family Planning Only?

Family Planning Only provides coverage to individuals 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) and any necessary family planning-related follow-up visits.
• 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 clinically appropriate, according to nationally recognized guidelines, or medically necessary for safe and effective use of the client’s chosen contraceptive method.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) and Hepatitis B 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.

*The income standards listed in these examples are subject to change annually every April.

**You can also make an informed choice to waive your right to apply for Apple Health on the Family Planning Only application.

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 with 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. Visit the Department of Health's (DOH) Teen Hub for other questions related to reproductive health and resources.

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 Health
• 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 reapply for Family Planning Only coverage every 12-months as long as you are eligible.

What does it mean to apply for confidential services?

You have the option to select that you are seeking confidential family planning services when applying for Family Planning Only coverage. Selecting this will put you under a protected status where you:

• Choose a preferred mailing address, 
• Don’t have Explanation of Benefits (EOB) mailed to you, and
• Are routed to a live person instead of an automated system when you call in.

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.

• Public notice for additional 30-day public comment period on Family Planning Only Demonstration Waiver renewal application (12/19/22-01/19/23).
• Draft application for the Section 1115 Family Planning Only Demonstration Waiver, updated 12/22. 
• Interim evaluation report for the current cycle of the 1115 Family Planning Only Demonstration Waiver, submitted to CMS on 11/30/22.
• Interim evaluation report CMS approval letter.
• Draft application for the Section 1115 Family Planning Only Demonstration Waiver, updated 9/22.
• HCA response for FPO waiver webinar public comment period from September 30, 2022 submission.
• Slides from the public hearing held on June 30, 2022.
• Washington Family Planning Only Demonstration Temporary Extension (through June 30, 2024) letter.

Family Planning Only survey text messages

Clients enrolled in Family Planning Only coverage may receive text messages inviting them to participate in a quick seven question Person-Centered Contraceptive Counseling survey. We are asking clients about their experience receiving reproductive health care. Your answers will help us improve your services and are strictly confidential. Reports about this survey will not include names or information that could identify you. Participation is optional and will not affect your coverage.

If you receive a text message and don’t opt out or respond to the survey, you may be contacted by phone by the Division of Research and Data Analysis (RDA) unit within the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). We contracted with RDA for this survey.

Message #1

"Health Care Authority: Message frequency varies. Message & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt-out. For help or to view T&Cs, visit hca.wa.gov/FPO-text."

Message #2

“You’re invited to share your experience receiving Family Planning Only services. Visit (survey link in text message) to take the brief survey.”

Frequently asked questions

Why am I getting this text message?

Our records show you are enrolled in Family Planning Only coverage. You or your authorized representative (AREP) gave us your phone number. We are inviting you to participate in a survey via text. If you recently got this phone number and are not a Family Planning Only client, you may ignore the text and opt-out.

What number is the text message coming from?

The Health Care Authority is sending text messages from (insert 1-800 number).

What if I don’t have Family Planning Only coverage?

If you do not have Family Planning Only coverage, we likely have an outdated or incorrect phone number for someone who does. You do not have to take any action and can reply “STOP” to not get further texts.

How often will I get a text?

We will send one set of text messages inviting you to participate in the survey. We may send an additional set of text messages a few weeks later, if we don’t receive enough responses. You won’t receive additional text messages if you complete the survey.

What if don’t want any more texts?

Reply to the text with “STOP” to no longer get text messages.

Who do I contact with questions?

Contact the Family Planning Only team at 1-800-562-3022 ext.12533 or email FPO with questions.