Take Charge - Planned Parenthood

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You may qualify for FREE BIRTH CONTROL for one full year

If you’re not ready to be pregnant, you may qualify for free birth control services through Take Charge.

Take Charge is Washington State’s Medicaid program subject to strict Federal guidelines. If you qualify for this program you will receive a Medicaid card that will enable you to get family planning services for one year at no cost to you. You may apply for this program at any Planned Parenthood location in Washington State.

Take Charge Eligibility
Take Charge is for Washington state residents who want to prevent pregnancy but have no health insurance or other Medicaid coverage. (Patients who are pregnant at the time of application are not eligible.) To qualify for this program:

You must be a U.S. citizen or have Legal Permanent Residency for at least five years with documentation;

Your gross income (before taxes) must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. For example:

That’s less than $1806 per month for a single person or
Less than $2428 per month for a married couple or
Less than $3676 per month for a married couple with two children.

(Medicaid will verify your reported income with Social Security records. It is important to be accurate when reporting your income.)

Take Charge Services
Take Charge coverage is for one full year. Upon approval, you may receive:

Annual exam and birth control methods education

All birth control methods including: birth control pill, patch, implant, vaginal ring, shot, IUD, condoms and sterilization (vasectomy or tubal ligation)

Emergency contraception

Testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during the annual exam (for women 25 and younger).

Fees will apply for services that are not related to family planning.

Take Charge Application
Ask a Planned Parenthood staff member for a Take Charge application. To apply you’ll need to provide:

Legal identification with a valid Washington State address;

Proof of Citizenship (Birth Certificate or Passport) or Legal Permanent Residency (Green Card). Both US citizens and Permanent Residents must provide documentation of legal status. US citizens without proof of citizenship who were born outside of Washington State will need to complete a Declaration of Citizenship at the time of service;

Complete income information (pay stubs from the previous month). Teens do not need to report their parent’s income;

A Social Security number. (If you do not have a social security number, our staff can provide a referral form for you to take to the Social Security Administration to get a Social Security number.)

Please bring your documentation with you to the health center on the day of your visit.

Planned Parenthood can provide services and supplies on the same day you submit your application. We can help with your application but we cannot determine if you qualify. Medicaid will determine your eligibility for the Take Charge program. Once you are approved, a Take Charge card will be sent to you in the mail for your use at any Take Charge provider or pharmacy in Washington.

Medicaid can take several weeks to determine your eligibility. Fees for services and supplies will be billed to you if Medicaid does not approve your Take Charge application. To avoid denial, please ensure your application is filled out correctly and completely and ask our staff if you have any questions.

To make an appointment or to find the health center nearest you, click here here or call 800-230-PLAN (7526).