As a part of a study to determine predictors of the kept postpartum study among Medicaid-eligible women, 518 women receiving care in a large urban prenatal clinic were interviewed to learn about their practice, knowledge, and attitudes regarding contraception. We were especially interested in learning about practices related to contraceptive behavior since the initiation of Medicaid managed care. Mandatory enrollment in managed care plans for individuals with Medicaid had been in effect in the study setting for several years prior to the study. During the interview, the women were asked what would make it easier for them to receive birth control services. The responses included suggestions such as making services more affordable (15.4%), transportation (7.6%), education (6.4%), having a clinic closer to home (4.1%), being able to receive more than one pack of oral contraceptives at a time (2.1%), and eliminating the need for a pharmacy (1.2%). The final two responses prompted further examination of current practices regarding contraceptive distribution from the perspective of managed care plans, a large urban health department, a large maternity hospital, and pharmacies serving low income areas. This presentation will present recommendations for policy and practice to assure or improve access to contraceptive services.
Learning Objectives: 1. To identify barriers to continuity of contraceptive services among low income women. 2. To examine distrubution practices for oral contraceptives among Medicaid managed care plans. 3. To explore policy and practice recommendations to assure access to contraceptive services
Keywords: Contraception, Access and Services
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.