Free Birth Control, STI Testing, and Exams
You may be eligible to get free birth control, STI testing, exams, and more through New York State’s Family Planning Benefit Program (FPBP). To find out more, call (800) 230-PLAN or email us at [email protected].
What is the Family Planning Benefit Program (FPBP)?
FPBP is a New York State Medicaid program that provides family planning benefits to some individuals. If you are eligible, FPBP pays the cost of birth control, STI testing, PAP tests, pregnancy tests, gynecological exams, and more at PPHP. There are no co-payments, monthly payments, or deductibles.
To qualify for FPBP, you must:
- be of childbearing age
- have U.S. citizenship
- live in New York State
- make no more than 223% of the federal poverty level
- not already have Medicaid
Anyone under the age of 21 can qualify regardless of their parents’ income and even if they are covered under their parents’ insurance. The application process is confidential.
What does FPBP cover?
- All types of birth control
- Emergency contraception and follow-up
- Pregnancy testing and counseling
- Screening cervical cancer
- Screening for urinary tract or female-related infections
- PAP tests
- Gynecological exams
- Male and female sterilization
- STI testing and treatment
- HIV testing and counseling
How do I know if I’m eligible for FPBP?
Staff at any Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic health center can help determine if you are eligible for FPBP or other programs. We’ll also help you fill out the application. To find out more, call (800) 230-PLAN or email us at [email protected].
Where can I apply for FPBP?
You can apply for FPBP at any of our health centers. PPHP has 10 health centers in Suffolk, Westchester, and Rockland counties. Staff at any of our centers can help you fill out a simple, confidential application. Call (800) 230-PLAN to make an appointment. Be sure to bring all the documents listed on the NYS Department of Health website. You will need them to complete the application.
Is my application confidential?
Yes. Your application for FPBP – and all other programs – is kept confidential. All services you receive at PPHP always are kept confidential.
If I’m under 21, can I still apply on my own?
Yes. Anyone under 21 years old can apply for this program on their own. Your eligibility will be based on your own income, not your parents’ income. Even if you are living at home with family, their income is not included. For more information, please see Teen Health Care & Confidentiality.
If I have health insurance through my parents but I don’t want to use it, can I still apply for FPBP?
Yes. If you have health insurance (i.e., Aetna, Blue Cross, etc.) through your parents or if you have Child Health Plus, but do not want to use it for confidentiality reasons, you can still apply for FPBP. Call (800) 230-PLAN or email us at [email protected].
What are my options if I don’t qualify for the program?
If you don’t qualify for FPBP or decide not to apply, you may still be able to use our free or low-cost services.
How long does the FPBP coverage last?
If you qualify, you will be covered for family planning and gynecological benefits for a full year. You can re-apply after a year.
What happens if I become pregnant?
FPBP does not cover abortion services or prenatal care. Our staff can help you enroll in another Medicaid program that does cover abortion services and all pregnancy-related services. To find out more, please call (800) 230-PLAN or email us at [email protected].
What documents do I need to bring in?
The NYS Department of Health website lists the documents you need to bring in. If you are unsure about how to obtain these, please call us for assistance before your scheduled meeting.