Insurance and Payment Options
Planned Parenthood works to make healthcare accessible and affordable. We accept a variety of insurance plans and payment methods. And we work with state and federal programs to help cut down costs for those who qualify. We offer the care you need, no matter what.
What is the Affordable Care Act?
In 2010, the federal government passed a law called the Affordable Care Act—sometimes also called "Obamacare"—making healthcare better, more affordable, and more available for everyone.
Under the law, most plans must cover visits to the doctor to talk about your birth control options—or services related to contraception, like follow-up visits and IUD insertions and removals. And preventive exams are covered for free!
The Affordable Care Act also created additional options for enrolling in affordable health insurance plans through the “Health Insurance Marketplace.”
Can I enroll right now?
The enrollment period for Marketplace insurance is generally during November and December for coverage starting in January. However, there are situations that may make it possible for you to enroll or change your insurance at other times. To learn about all of the ways you can enroll in Marketplace insurance click here.
PPO is one type of health insurance plan and stands for "Preferred Provider Option." This type of plan allows a patient to receive services from out-of-network providers, but usually the patient pays more than if they received the same services from an in-network provider. We are an in-network provider for the following:
- Aetna
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas*
- Cigna
- Humana PPO
- MultiPlan Third Party Administrator (TPA)**
*Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas includes the Blue Card program, in which clients with out-of-state Blue Cross/Blue Shield plans and the Blue Cross Federal Employee Health Benefits Program are able to see our providers as though they were in state.
**Contact us for details regarding MultiPlan networks.
What will my insurance cover?
Contact us directly to find out if the service or product you're looking to get is covered under your specific insurance carrier and plan. In many cases, birth control and annual well-woman exams are covered for free, with no copay.
HMO is one type of health insurance plan and stands for "Health Maintenance Organization." HMO plans typically have a lower premium, but patients can only use their insurance to receive care at in-network healthcare providers. (If you have an HMO, and you visit a healthcare provider that is out-of-network, you will not be able to use your insurance, and you will have to pay the full cost of your services on your own.) HMO plans may require referral. We are an in-network provider for the following:
- Aetna Access
- Blue Cross Blue Extra Value (BEV)
- Ambetter
- Sendero (Austin area)
What will my insurance cover?
Contact us directly to find out if the service or product you're looking to get is covered under your specific insurance carrier and plan. In many cases, birth control and annual well-woman exams are covered for free, with no copay.
If you're a self-pay patient, that means you won't be using insurance to pay for your healthcare services. Instead, you'll pay out of your own pocket. But don't worry—we're here to help. We do our best to offer expert care at affordable prices. And many healthcare services could be available to you at low or no cost.
As of July 25, 2023, our health centers will no longer accept checks or money orders for services. We continue to offer the following forms of payment:
- cash
- debit card
- MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover
Payment is expected at time of service.
At Planned Parenthood, we believe that cost shouldn't be a barrier to great healthcare. If you're uninsured but don't qualify for state or federal programs, you might be eligible for low or no-cost services and products based on your income or other eligibility requirements. Contact your local health center directly to find out if you qualify for financial help.
Due to politically-motivated efforts by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Texans who rely on Medicaid-covered healthcare are currently blocked from seeking that care at Planned Parenthood health centers. We understand that this is disruptive to patient care, and we continue working to restore access to your preferred providers at Planned Parenthood.
Please visit our Medicaid information page for additional information and options for seeking the healthcare you need.