The Iowa Family Network is a
program that expands Medicaid coverage for family planning services in Iowa.
The Iowa Department of Public Health, Family Planning Council of Iowa and the
family planning community worked together on a request to the Center for
Medicare and Medial Services for waiving a section of the Medicaid rules to
allow expanded coverage to more women in Iowa.
The primary objectives of the Iowa
Family Planning Network are to:
- Increase the spacing between
births
- Improve future birth outcomes
- Reduce the number of
unintended pregnancies and births paid by Medicaid
What services are provided by the IFPN?
- Contraceptives
- Pap Tests
- Birth Control Counseling
- Birth Control Exams
- Pregnancy Tests
- Voluntary Female Sterilization
- Emergency Contraceptives
- Limited STD Testing and
Treatment
How does the IFPN Expand Coverage?
The IFPN Expands Medicaid covered
family planning services to those who meet the following criteria:
- Women whose pregnancies
and deliveries were covered by Medicaid will have family planning services
covered by Medicaid for an additional 12 months without having their
eligibility re-determined.
- Women, ages 13 – 44, who are
legal residents and whose income is up to 200% of poverty are eligible.
- Women enrolled in IowaCare are
eligible for the IFPN. The Iowa Care program does not pay for contraceptive
supplies; the IFPN does.
Please note the following
exceptions:
- Women with private health
insurance are not eligible unless they need confidential services.
- Women and adolescents
who are already enrolled in a Medicaid program or hawk-i are
not eligible.
Why is the IFPN important?
Women who are uninsured face many
challenges in finding adequate health care coverage. The IFPN can help
alleviate the financial stress associated with the lack of health care coverage.
An unintended pregnancy can lead to personal and financial obstacles for both
partners. Through the IFPN women can receive high quality, confidential
services and focus on reaching their personal goals.
How do I access the IFPN?
You can apply for the IFPN at
any local family planning clinic or DHS office in
your area.
- Remember that your income,
citizenship and identity must be verified.
- Services will be available
immediately, however, it may take up to 30 days for an eligibility
determination to be made.