Medicaid and Family Planning Collaborations to Improve Outcomes and Leverage Funds in Oregon

Oregon's Family Planning Expansion Project (FPEP) grew out of the need to implement family planning measures in the state. With political support, Oregon's Department of Human Services collaborated with county health departments, federally qualified health centers and Planned Parenthood to develop and implement a section 1115 Medicaid or family planning waiver. This waiver allowed Oregon to expand family planning services to prevent pregnancy. Clients enroll in the family planning program at the point of service and undergo a one time citizenship verification process. Eligibility is transferred from clinic to clinic allowing patients greater access to care. When the Deficit Reduction Act led to decreased visits and decreased use of family planning services, FPEP conducted a marketing campaign to reach eligible women who would otherwise assume their ineligibility. FPEP also purchases birth certificates for persons born out of Oregon. This measure has demonstrated cost efficiency in proving eligibility for services.

This presentation will provide background on how to maximize Medicaid family planning waivers, including program expansion through their upcoming waiver renewal and the projected outcomes of expanding services. The presentation also discusses the impact of the DRA and its impact on health department staff and enrollment. In response, the presentation includes innovative ways to market available family planning services to women to increase their use.