Cuts to Take Charge Program
TAKE CHARGE is a Medicaid waiver program that covers family planning services for people at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. In the program’s first five years, TAKE CHARGE served 355,000; the federal government matches $.90 for every $.10 spent by the state. Every $1 spent on family planning saves the state $3.30 in future health costs (DSHS). Federal Changes to TAKE CHARGE Recent federal changes to TAKE CHARGE have cut family planning services to approximately 7,800 men and women previously enrolled in the program: - Anyone 18 or older who has private insurance of any kind - even if that insurance is through their parents may not enroll on TAKE CHARGE.
- Minors on their parent’s insurance may enroll on a “case by case” basis.
- Social Security Number must be provided to enroll – a young person may unable to get their Social Security Number without compromising confidentiality.
- STD testing and treatment is covered only in very limited circumstances.
Support the Family Planning Protection Act (SB 5585, HB 1686) ü The Family Planning Protection Act codifies into law Washington State’s commitment to family planning services, including STD screening and treatment services. ü The Family Planning Protection Act establishes family planning as a public policy priority in statute. Support Funding for STD Screening and Treatment! - Infection rates for Chlamydia and gonorrhea are at a 12-year high.
- These STDs often have no symptoms, have lifelong debilitating (and expensive) consequences including infertility, cancer and mother to infant transmission—and they can facilitate the transmission of HIV.
ü Support a $2.5 million biennium funding request for STD testing, treatment, and clinical services. Restore TAKE CHARGE Funding to Previous Levels! - It is estimated that the new restrictions will deny eligibility to approximately 7,800 TAKE CHARGE patients in Washington.
ü Support a $5 million biennium funding request to provide family planning services to clients ineligible for the TAKE CHARGE program under the new federal rules.
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