The publicly funded family planning program in the United States plays a significant role in making available subsidized contraception services and supplies to women who would otherwise be unable to obtain them. An important measure of the impact of the program is the number of unintended pregnancies and births, and the amount of spending for medical care related to pregnancies and births, that are prevented because of public subsidy of contraceptive services.
In this analysis, we use data from the 1995 National Survey of Family Growth and other sources to estimate the number of unwanted pregnancies (both births and abortions) that are averted as a result of subsidized contraception. We then determine, for every public sector dollar spent on subsidized contraceptive services, how many dollars are saved that would otherwise be spent through Medicaid on prenatal, delivery and newborn care and on abortion for these unplanned pregnancies. State-by-state information on Medicaid eligibility levels and benefits are used to make estimates of public sector savings. Wherever possible, we take into account the socio-economic composition of publicly-served clients, to allow for the known differences in contraceptive use effectiveness among these groups. Estimates of public sector savings at both the national level and for each state will be presented.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to assess and develop a cost-benefit analysis of a public health program
Keywords: Essential Public Health Services, Family Planning
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.