Insurance and Payment Options
Planned Parenthood works to make healthcare accessible and affordable. We accept a variety of insurance plans and payment methods. 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 stands for preferred provider organization. This is a type of health plan that contracts with medical providers, such as hospitals and doctors, to create a network of participating providers. You pay less if you use providers that belong to the plan’s network. We are in-network for the following:
- Aetna – PPO, Open Access, Meritain, WebTPA
- Ambetter
- Blue Cross Blue Sheild (BCBS) – PPO, Anthem, BCBS Advantage, TRS
- Baylor Scott and White Health Plans – Plus PPO, Employee Network Tier 1
- Cigna - PPO, Open Access
- Humana – PPO, Choice PPO
- Oscar
- Tricare East
- United Healthcare – All Savers, UHC Student Resources, Choice, Choice Plus, Options PPO. UMR, GEHA, Golden Rule
- Sendero Idealcare (Austin Centers only)
- New Mexico Medicaid (El Paso Center only)
- Western Sky NM Medicaid (El Paso Center only)
What will my insurance cover?
Contact us directly at 1-800-230-7526 to see if we are in-network with your insurance plan. We encourage you to reach out to your insurance plan directly to discuss your specific benefit coverage to see if the services you are seeking are covered. Under some insurance plans, birth control and annual wellness exams are covered benefits.
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 or EPO
- BCBS HMO - Requires a referral
- Baylor Scott and White Health Plans (BSW) – Plus HMO, HMO Enhanced Benefit Network, BSW Premier HMO
- Cigna - POS/HMO, Connect HMO
- Humana HMO
- Tricare Prime/Tricare Select - requires referral
- United Healthcare Select HMO – requires a referral
- United Healthcare Nexus
What will my insurance cover?
Contact us directly at 1-800-230-7526 to see if we are in-network with your insurance plan. We encourage you to reach out to your insurance plan directly to discuss your specific benefit coverage to see if the services you are seeking are covered. Under some insurance plans, birth control and annual wellness exams are covered benefits.
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.