Impact of comprehensive family planning programs in a primary health care system on cost savings and population health

With rising health care costs and the introduction of the Accountable Care Act, the future holds many unknowns for the health care system. Much research shows that there are more effective ways of patient care through a variety of means; however, there is little research showing that the integration of Family Planning Community Health Workers (FP CHWs) reduces costs and supports quicker access to health care, thus improving population health. The integration of family planning programs into a primary care system allows for lower costs of care, increased revenue to the system, and improved reproductive health outcomes. FP CHWs provide low cost base level care, allowing providers to see more patients and to practice at the top of their license. With FP CHWs, patients are able to access immediate appointments and are not required to have health insurance, thus clients are treated quickly, referred for insurance enrollment, and as a result return for continued care. With the support of FP CHWs, communities will see reduced rates of unplanned pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and bettering health trends for adolescents. By reducing costs, increasing patient numbers, and providing preventive care, incorporating FP CHWs is an essential part to the success of the primary care system, both for patients and for population health.