- 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 seek confidential family planning services when applying for Family Planning Only coverage. Selecting this option will put you under a protected status in which 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 (commonly referred to as birth control), including all FDA-approved contraceptive methods, such as pills, patches, intrauterine devices also known as long-acting reversible contraception (intrauterine devices (IUD), long-acting reversible contraceptives (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
- Oral contraception (over the counter)
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.
Hormonal contraception, prescriptions, and OTC can be filled in 12-month supplies unless indicated otherwise by prescribers or clients. Supply may vary by pharmacy.
To access contraceptive supplies at the pharmacy, you will need to go to the pharmacy counter (not the retail counter) with your Apple Health ProviderOne services card or use the mobile app.
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, which expired on June 30, 2023, covers limited family planning and family planning-related services for people in need of contraceptive care and enrolled in Family Planning Only program. 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 implementation of the After-Pregnancy Coverage program.
- 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.
WIC Nutrition Program
The WIC Nutrition Program provides access to no-cost healthy food, health screenings, nutrition education, breast and chest feeding support and more, to people who are pregnant or recently pregnant, infants, and children under age five through an easy-to-use WIC card. See if you're eligible for WIC and learn how to apply. You can also find a WIC clinic online or call 1-800-322-2588.
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 experiences receiving reproductive health care. Your answers will help us improve services and responses 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.”
Message #3
"Family planning services should work for you! This survey will take less than 1 minute. Make your voice heard: (survey link in text message)."
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 888-689-5016.
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.
Wireless terms and conditions and privacy policy
You are enrolled to receive wireless messages from Washington State Health Care Authority. By subscribing to this alerting service, you agree to the following Terms and Conditions. To stop receiving messages, text STOP to unsubscribe. For help, text HELP.
Most wireless service providers provide text messaging services. While there is no charge to sign up for wireless updates, your wireless service provider may charge per message. Check with your provider for details on additional costs.
Terms and conditions
User privacy
Washington State Health Care Authority will not share nor use your mobile number for any other purpose than for updates from the selected client.
User fees
Washington State Health Care Authority does not charge recipients to receive text messages. However, message and data rates may apply.
Frequency
Message frequency varies.
Opt-out
To opt-out (discontinue receiving messages), reply STOP from your mobile device. We will confirm your opt-out by text and you will not receive any additional messages from Washington State Health Care Authority unless you opt-in again.
Warranty
Washington State Health Care Authority is not liable for any delays in the receipt of any SMS messages connected with this program. Delivery of SMS messages is subject to effective transmission from your wireless service provider/network operator. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.
Use case descriptions
Washington State Health Care Authority will send SMS messages related to information and alerts about the government services provided by Washington State Health Care Authority.
Questions?
If you have questions or problems or need assistance, please contact Granicus (GovDelivery) support.
Washington State Health Care Authority respects your privacy. We will only use the information you provide to transmit your text message. Nonetheless, we always reserve the right to disclose any information as necessary to satisfy any law, regulation, or governmental request, to avoid liability, or to protect our rights or property.
When you complete forms online or otherwise provide an organization with the information in connection with the wireless message service, you agree to provide accurate, complete, and true information. You agree not to use a false or misleading name or a name that you are not authorized to use. If we, in our sole discretion, believe that any such information is untrue, inaccurate, or incomplete, we may refuse you access to the service and pursue any appropriate legal remedies.
