UPDATE: Apple Health (Medicaid) Take Charge changing names and expanding coverage
What is happening?
On June 10, the Health Care Authority (HCA) notified providers that the programs formerly known as Apple Health (Medicaid) Family Planning Only Extension and Take Charge would undergo significant changes. These changes affect both the names of the programs and, more importantly, service offerings for clients who use the programs.
This is a reminder of the changes that go into effect next Monday, July 1, 2019.
What are the changes?
Program names
The most noticeable change for clients and providers is a name change.
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Family Planning Only – Pregnancy Related Formerly known as the Family Planning Only extension (sometimes as Family Planning Only), this program serves recently pregnant clients who lose Apple Health coverage after their 60-day post pregnancy coverage ends.
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Family Planning Only Formerly known as TAKE CHARGE, this program serves uninsured women and men seeking to prevent unintended pregnancy, and teens and domestic violence victims who need confidential family planning services.
Increased provider network
Historically, some of these services required that a client seek a specifically approved provider. With the July 1 changes, a client using either of the Family Planning Only programs can seek family planning services through any Apple Health provider.
Increased ease of enrollment
While enrollment for Family Planning Only – Pregnancy Related services is still automatic, Family Planning Only clients can now apply for benefits with an eligible Apple Health provider in person, by mail, phone, or fax.
Will there be provider training for my practice?
HCA will be holding three separate webinar trainings for providers, patient navigators, billing staff, or anyone who works with the family planning programs. The trainings are intended to be a semi-interactive classroom experience where attendees can submit questions to a moderator. You are also able to submit questions ahead of time.
Please register ASAP for one of the following timeslots.
Are there reference materials for my practice?
HCA has created an eligibility fact sheet which can be downloaded and printed.
Additionally, the Family Planning Billing Guide has been updated.
Where can I learn more?
HCA has created a Family Planning for Billers and Providers webpage which includes a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ).
Still have questions?
If you still have questions after reviewing the Family Planning webpage, please email our Apple Health Family Planning group.
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