Planned Parenthood of Central New Jersey's New Brunswick health center was proud to host Governor Corzine's announcement that New Jersey has applied for a waiver to expand Medicaid coverage for family planning assistance. The proposal, submitted by the Department of Human Services to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, would provide health screenings and contraceptive counseling and supplies to over 70,000 men and women between the ages of 18 and 49 with incomes below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level, who were not previously eligible for Medicaid.
“Health care access has been a cornerstone of my Administration from the start,” said Governor Corzine. “This innovative initiative captures a population of men and women who might not otherwise seek family planning services because of cost factors. New Jersey truly is maximizing every opportunity to provide essential health services to our residents.”
The importance of providing eligible adults with family planning support is to reduce unintended pregnancies and provide the preconceptual and interconceptual care that makes planned pregnancies healthier for both women and babies. Reproductive cancer screening, early detection of sexually transmitted infections, and HIV testing and counseling are also covered services.
"Most of Planned Parenthood's patients are young adult women who are employed at jobs that do not provide insurence," stated PPCNJ's President and CEO, Phyllis Kinsler. "They rely on Planned Parenthood for accessible, afforadable and respectful care that helps them plan and protect their health and their future. Family planning helps women plan and begin healthier pregnancies and start prenatal care earlier."
“We know that women who receive prenatal care beginning in their first trimester tend to stay healthier and have healthier babies,” said Department of Health and Senior Services Commissioner Heather Howard. “Inadequate prenatal care late in a pregnancy can lead to dangerous complications including low birth weights, infant mortality and—even the death of a mother. Quite simply, a healthy mother equals the best chance of a healthy baby.”
Planned Parenthood of Central New Jersey is proud of the ongoing support of family planning services through the Governor and his administration and looks forward to expanding its services to as many clients in central New Jersey as possible.
