Let’s discuss Planned Parenthood. Not to argue, but to have a straightforward conversation about it.
I don’t want to start a fight, but given the recent headlines about the proposed repeal of Obamacare that would stop federal funding for Planned Parenthood for a full year, now is a good moment to review the health services the organization currently provides.
I’ll leave the a-word out entirely.
About three-quarters of the roughly 4.97 million people Planned Parenthood serves annually have incomes at or below 150% of the poverty threshold.
Planned Parenthood handles prevention and treatment of various illnesses, infections and conditions, in addition to prenatal care, contraception, counseling, free clinics, workshops and educational resources.
And depending on individual circumstances, many of these services are available for little to no cost.
How it Works
Most services at Planned Parenthood are offered on a sliding fee scale.
That means staff take a “financial snapshot” of your recent earnings to determine a payment amount that fits your situation. The scale differs by clinic, but this cost calculator gives a reasonable estimate of your likely range. If you’re uncertain which items count toward monthly income, try completing this income worksheet first.
The sliding scale enables Planned Parenthood to deliver free or low-cost care to those who need it most.
Planned Parenthood also takes most major insurance plans. If you don’t have coverage, they often help arrange a payment plan suited to your circumstances.
The assistance you receive and how it’s provided depends heavily on your state. In New York, for example, the state Medicaid program pays the full cost of birth control, STD screening, PAP tests, pregnancy tests and gynecological exams for people with incomes up to 200% of the federal poverty level.
The simplest approach is to call your local Planned Parenthood, explain your situation, and ask what they can do to help you get the care you need.
Services Planned Parenthood Provides at Low or No Cost
Planned Parenthood provides a wide array of services tied to physical, mental and reproductive health.
Depending on your insurance and financial situation, you may be eligible for many of these services at little or no charge:
Primary Care Services
Primary care covers routine exams and diagnostic services, as well as referrals to outside specialists.
Contraception
Planned Parenthood supplies the full variety of birth control methods, including pills, patches and intrauterine devices (IUDs). They also provide emergency contraception. In recent years, Planned Parenthood has been an outspoken advocate for making contraception more accessible and affordable for everyone. If you’re exploring alternatives, you might also consider resources like nurx birth control by mail.
Cancer Screening and Prevention
In addition to cervical, ovarian and breast cancer screenings, Planned Parenthood offers HPV vaccinations, which can reduce the risk of cervical cancer.
STD Testing and Treatment
Most clinics provide STD testing, diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Planned Parenthood is piloting programs in rural locations (currently Alaska, Idaho, Minnesota and Washington) that let patients consult with a clinician via video before the clinic mails birth control or an STD test and treatment.
Transgender Hormone Therapy
At present, only some Planned Parenthood centers offer hormone therapy — those that do typically provide care on the same income-based sliding scale. Planned Parenthood also serves as a safe resource for LGBTQ youth seeking information and support.
Men’s Sexual Health
Although often seen as a women-focused organization, most locations offer sexual health services for men as well.
Education
Planned Parenthood delivers sexual and reproductive health education to parents, teens and young adults. In 2014, their sex education programs reached over 1.5 million people.
Teens can now access information online and through apps that answer questions and point them to valuable resources, including programs that provide free feminine hygiene products in some cases.
See? We avoided using the a-word entirely — which illustrates that Planned Parenthood offers far more than is sometimes portrayed.
Your Turn: What health care services have you received from Planned Parenthood?
Alex Morgan is a staff writer at Savinly.
