Family planning is about deciding how many children you want and when to have them. It means picking a birth control method that works best for you to avoid unexpected pregnancies. It’s generally recommended to wait 18 months to two years between having babies so your body can recover, and you can spend time with your new baby. Remember, about half of all pregnancies are unplanned.
Women of childbearing age (14-55) who have lost full Medicaid coverage for any reason (not just pregnancy coverage), can receive free Family Planning Services for up to 2 years.
Things to Consider
- Is family planning a part of my life?
- What methods of birth control have I used in the past?
- What is an ideal number of months or years to have between my children?
- Do my partner and I have the same ideas about this topic?
- How long do I want to wait before having another child?
Every woman has the right to manage her fertility and choosing a birth control method is a very personal decision. It is based on several important factors such as individual preference, medical history, lifestyle, effectiveness, safety and cost. You have options.
How to Access Family Planning Services
The Department of Health (DOH) have implemented the Family Planning Medicaid Waiver Program, also known as Family Planning Medicaid. It is special Medicaid that covers family planning and limited women’s healthcare services. If you qualify for this coverage, you can use it at any health care provider that accepts Medicaid and provides family planning services. Even if you do not qualify for health insurance coverage, you can still get low-cost birth control services and other health care services.
Where to receive services:
Ask your prenatal care provider if they will provide these Family Planning services at their office. If they do not, the waiver is accepted at the following medical facilities:
- Evara Health: 727-824-8181 – Clearwater, Pinellas Park & St. Petersburg
- Pinellas County Health Department: (application assistance also available) Clearwater: 727-275-6572, Largo: 727-275-6357, Pinellas Park: 727-369-3928, Tarpon Springs: 727-942-5457 & St. Petersburg: 727-568-8093
- Turley Family Health Center: 467-2400 – Clearwater
- Ladies & Babies: 781-3448 – Palm Harbor
- Bayfront Family Health Center: 893-6198 – St. Petersburg
**Unless you have been automatically enrolled after Medicaid coverage has ended, an application must be submitted for each year of coverage. For the second year of coverage you must complete an application before your baby’s first birthday.**