California program offers low-to-no-cost services

By Alisha Wilkins

    Do you know people who need sexual and reproductive health care like cervical cancer screening, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, or contraception, but think they can’t afford it?

    Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest is urging people to educate their family, friends and neighbors about California’s Family Planning, Access, Care and Treatment program, commonly known as Family PACT, which aims to increase access to reproductive and sexual health care. Patients receive low-to-no-cost services. Patients can visit a Planned Parenthood health center and receive care that saves lives.

    Who is eligible for Family PACT?

    Women, men and teens are eligible for Family PACT, regardless of immigration status, if they reside in California, are at risk of pregnancy (or causing pregnancy), and have an income that is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. For example, a single person earning $1,815 or less per month is eligible for Family PACT. A family of four that earns $3,725 per month or less is eligible for Family PACT. Patients can enroll for Family PACT at the time they check in at the health center where they receive services.

    Who uses Family PACT?

    Currently Family PACT provides services for 1.65 million people in California. Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest provides services 300,000 times per year to residents of San Diego, Riverside and Imperial Counties. Eligibility is determined by income – not immigration status, age, sexual orientation, race, national origin or creed.

    Why does California offer Family PACT?

    The social and economic benefits of Family PACT are enormous. Every dollar spent on prevention saves $9.25 in future medical and social service costs related to unintended pregnancy. The program saves more than one billion dollars annually in public costs. Most importantly, public health improves when women, men and teens have access to reproductive and sexual health care. When patients have access to cervical, breast and testicular cancer screenings, they are more likely to detect abnormalities earlier. When women, men and teens have access to contraception, they are less likely to have an unintended pregnancy. When they receive regular care, they are more likely to avoid contracting sexually transmitted infections, and are more likely to receive treatment for these conditions.

    Need more information about Family PACT? Visit planned.org or call -888-743-7526 (PLAN).

Alisha Wilkins is Public Affairs Manager, Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest