Family Planning Benefit Program
What is the Family Planning Benefit Program (FPBP)?
FPBP is a program for New Yorkers who need family planning services, but may not be able to afford them. It is intended to increase access to family planning services and to enable individuals of childbearing age to prevent or reduce the incidence of unintentional pregnancies.
How do I know if I qualify for FPBP?
You may be covered by FPBP if:
- You are a female or male of childbearing age
- You are a New York State resident
- You are a citizen, national*, Native American, or in satisfactory immigration status
- You meet certain income requirements
- You are not otherwise eligible for Medicaid or Family Health Plus or wish to only apply for the Family Planning Benefit Program
* NATIONAL: A "national" is a person who is not a U.S. citizen, but who owes permanent allegiance to the United States and may enter and work in the U.S. without restriction. A "national" who is otherwise qualified may, if he becomes a resident of any State, be naturalized upon completing the applicable requirements. Examples of nationals are: (1) persons born in American Samoa and Swain's Island after December 24, 1952; and (2) residents of the Northern Mariana Islands who did not elect to become U.S. citizens.
UNITED STATES CITIZEN: For the purposes of qualifying as a United States citizen, the United States includes the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands and the Northern Mariana Islands. Nationals from American Samoa or Swain's Island are also regarded as United States citizens for the purpose of Medicaid eligibility.
What health services are covered by FPBP?
Family Planning Services include:
- Most FDA approved birth control methods, devices, and supplies (e.g., birth control pills, injectables, or patches, condoms, diaphragms, IUDs)
- Emergency contraception services and follow-up care (Plan B is covered)
- Male and female sterilization
- Preconception counseling and preventive screening and family planning options before pregnancy
The following additional services are considered family planning only when provided within the context of a family planning visit and when the service provided is directly related to family planning:
- Pregnancy testing and counseling
- Comprehensive health history and physical examination, including breast exam and referrals to primary care providers as indicated (Mammograms are not covered).
- Screening and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STI's)
- Screening for cervical cancer and urinary tract or female-related infections
- Screening and related diagnostic laboratory testing for medical conditions that affect the choice of birth control, e.g. a history of diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, blood clots, etc.
- HIV counseling and testing
- Counseling services related to pregnancy, informed consent, and STD/HIV risk counseling
- Bone density scan (only for women who plan to use or are currently using Depo-Provera)
- Ultrasound (to assess placement of an intrauterine device)
If you are eligible for FPBP, you will receive a Benefit Identification Card, which must be used when you need the medical services indicated above.
Where do I get family planning services?
There are many providers that can provide family planning services under this program, including hospital based and free-standing clinics, family planning clinics, county health department clinics, federally qualified health centers, rural health centers, obstetricians and gynecologists, physicians, licensed midwives, nurse practitioners, pharmacies, and laboratories. If you need help in locating a Medicaid enrolled family planning provider in your area, please call toll free at 1-800-541-2831 for assistance.
How do I apply for FPBP?
To apply for the FPBP, write, phone, or go to your local department of social services. If you cannot locate the telephone number of your local department of social services, you may call toll free at 1-800-541-2831 to obtain the telephone number. You can also get this information from the Department website. After you fill out the application, you will need to have a face-to-face interview at your local department of social services.
In New York City, contact the Human Resources Administration by calling (718) 557-1399. Residents of the five boroughs of New York City may call toll free at 1-877-472-8411.
In some instances, family planning providers, local health departments, and Prenatal Care Assistance Program (PCAP) providers may also assist in the application process. If you have a family planning provider you should check with them to see if they can assist you.
When I go for my application interview, what should I take with me?
You will need to bring the same documentation as is listed on the Medicaid page of this site including third party health insurance information. The only thing you do not need to bring is proof of resources, such as bankbooks or insurance policies.
How do I know if my income qualifies me for FPBP?
The chart below shows how much income you can receive in a month and still qualify for FPBP. The income levels depend on the number of your family members who live with you.
| Number in Family | Monthly Net Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,734 |
| 2 | $2,334 |
| 3 | $2,934 |
| 4 | $3,534 |
| 5 | $4,134 |
| 6 | $4,734 |
| 7 | $5,334 |
| 8 | $5,934 |
| For each additional person, add: | $600 |
*Income levels are subject to yearly adjustments.
The income of legally responsible relatives in the household is counted in determining your eligibility, unless you are a minor who has requested confidentiality. Resources, such as bank accounts, are not counted in determining eligibility for FPBP.
What are my rights?
Refer to the Medicaid page of this site for information regarding your right to a timely eligibility determination and your right to appeal an eligibility decision if you are dissatisfied.
Any questions regarding this program may be addressed to: Medicaid@health.state.ny.us