Take Charge is Washington State's Medicaid program that provides free family planning services to qualified individuals. The services include birth control, annual exams, and limited STD testing.
If you qualify for this program you will receive a ProviderOne Services 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 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 (Chlamydia and Gonorrhea only) during the annual exam (for women 25 and younger).
(Take Charge does not cover the cost of follow-up examinations for abnormal Pap smears, immunizations, abortion, HIV testing or STD treatment.)
Fees will apply for services that are not related to family planning.
Take Charge Eligibility
Take Charge is for Washington state residents who want to prevent pregnancy but have no health insurance covering family planning or other Medicaid coverage. 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. That’s less than $1,815 per month for a single person, less than $2,452 per month for a married couple or less than $3,725 per month for a married couple with two children.
- You cannot have health insurance covering family planning or other Medicaid coverage
- You cannot be pregnant at the time you apply
(Medicaid will verify your reported income with Employment Security records. It is important to be accurate when reporting your income.)
Take Charge Application
Ask a Planned Parenthood staff member for a Take Charge application.
Please bring the following documentation when you arrive for your scheduled appointment:
- State or Government issued identification and a valid Washington State address
- Complete income information (pay stubs from the previous 30 days). Teens do not need to report their parent's income
- Patients receiving unemployment benefits need to provide unemployment benefit records for the last 30 days.
- Patients not receiving unemployment benefits or making less than $500 per month need to provide an explanation of how they are meeting their needs.
- A valid Social Security Number and an unexpired LPR or "green card” if you are a permanent resident.
Please Note:
If you are a US citizen and do not have a valid SSN, or the SSN you provide cannot be matched to you by Medicaid you must be ready to provide your parent's full name (mother's maiden name), and the city, county and state where you were born. If you were born outside of Washington State, you must also provide proof of US Citizenship.
Clients without a social security number will also be referred to the nearest Social Security Administration to get a Social Security number.
If you are a permanent resident, your permanent resident card must show entry into the USA for a minimum of 5 years.
Planned Parenthood may be able to provide services and supplies on the same day you submit your application. However, if your application is not approved, you are responsible for paying for services received.
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 ProviderOne Services card will be sent to you in the mail for your use at any Take Charge provider or pharmacy in Washington.
Medicaid can take up to several months 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.
Make an appointment, find the health center nearest you, or call 800-230-PLAN (7526).
