Frequently Asked Questions

With the overturn of Roe v Wade, are you providing abortion services?

Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood is providing abortion services at all three health centers (Albany, Hudson and Troy. Abortion is still legal in New York State and it is your right to access an abortion.

Are you seeing patients during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood is closely monitoring the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak. The health and safety of our patients, staff, and community is our top priority. For that reason, our doors remain open and we will continue to see patients at our health centers. We continue to adhere to the proper infection control in our health centers as well as all necessary precautions including social distancing both inside and outside of our health centers. 

If you are sick or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please do not come to our health center. Walk-ins will no longer be accepted, please call us to schedule an appointment. Support people are not allowed in the health center. EC is still available at the front desk at no cost.

Do you offer Telehealth Visits?

Yes, UHPP now offers high-quality, affordable, remote care through a private and secure video-conferencing platform that connects our patients to our expert health care providers. Click HERE to learn more.

I don’t have any insurance. How can I pay for my appointment?
UHPP helps eligible patients enroll in several types of free insurance programs, depending on the services needed. When you show up to your appointment with the necessary documentation (or bring it with you during walk-ins) and we determine you to be eligible, you can often begin using the coverage the day you sign up. 

If you are not ineligible for these programs, or don’t want to enroll, we offer services on an income-based sliding fee-scale. Bring at least your two most recent pay-stubs with you in order to qualify, or call (518) 434-5678 with questions.

I have insurance, but it’s through my parents or spouse. Will they find out about my visit?
Different insurance companies have different policies, but many send home an explanation of benefits (EOB) that list visit details. The best way to know for sure is to call the customer services number on the back of your insurance card and ask.

If your insurance company does send out an EOB and confidentiality is an issue, UHPP can often help you sign up for free, confidential coverage in our center. You can also speak to one of our youth health promoters to talk about ideas you might use to talk with your parents about sex and your visit. Learn about the programs, coverage, and eligibility, call (518) 434-5678.

Is Emergency Contraception free at UHPP?
In some cases, some versions of EC are free, if you are a patient or not. If the version of EC that you need is not free, UHPP can sign you up for a program to help cover the costs.

Do I need to fast before my visit?
No. A provider may request it on a follow up visit but it is not required for any initial visits.

If I’m eligible for coverage do I have to pay a copay for services?
If you are eligible for FPBP or full Emergency Medicaid, the coverage is free and there are no copays on covered services. 

Do I have to receive mail from the Department of Social Services (DSS) if I sign up for a program?
UHPP takes your confidentiality seriously. If you don’t want to receive mail in association with your application, we will direct DSS to send it to us instead, and hold it for you until the next time you come in.

I don’t have some of the documents that are required to sign up. What can I do?
There are often alternatives you can use, but it’s important to contact the health center staff BEFORE you come in for your visit so they can help you find an alternative without delaying your services. 

I’ve signed up for the Family Planning Benefit program before. Am I still covered?
The Family Planning Benefit Program (FPBP) coverage lasts for one year, unless there has been a significant increase in your income. If it has been more than one year since you enrolled, you will need to provide current versions of the same documents you brought last time at your next visit.

I’ve signed up for Emergency Medicaid before. Am I still covered? 
If you used Emergency Medicaid to cover an abortion, the coverage usually lasts 45 days from the day you signed up, but in some special cases the Department of Social Services (DSS) approves coverage for longer. Click here to visit the state website on coverage.

Can I use the Family Planning Benefit Program at the pharmacy or other offices?
UHPP lets you start using your coverage for visits and birth control at our health centers as soon as your application is completed, but pharmacies and other practices will only accept your coverage after DSS has received, reviewed and approved your application. Once they have, DSS will mail you an ID card that you can use at the pharmacy, and other centers that accept this type of coverage.

Can I use my Emergency Medicaid at the pharmacy or other offices?
You can start using your coverage at UHPP as soon as your application is completed, but pharmacies and other practices will only accept your coverage after DSS has reviewed and approved your application, and mailed you an ID card. Because DSS’s approval process usually takes longer than the length of time the coverage lasts, most patients can only use their coverage with UHPP. 

I have signed up for FPBP or Emergency Medicaid before, OR I started an application before but didn’t have all my documents. Do I have to bring everything again?
You should bring all of the necessary documents with you any time you come in to enroll or complete an application.

Do I need to bring my insurance card to each visit?
Yes. Even if you have used your current insurance with us before, information on the card may have changed and needs to be compared with what we have on record. It is also important to bring your ID with you.

Have other questions? Our staff is ready to answer them—call (518) 434-5678.