SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5912

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Background: Through the Take Charge program, the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) provides family planning services to state residents with family incomes below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Services include an annual gynecological exam and pap smear; birth control pills and devices; emergency contraception; and sterilization. Pregnancy termination is not a covered service.

Approximately 60,000 people per month are enrolled in the program, at an annual cost of $21 million. Approximately 80 percent of the cost of the program is covered by federal funds, with the balance coming from the state general fund. Services are delivered by a variety of local contractors, including county health departments, community clinics, and planned parenthood organizations.

Through Medicaid, the state provides medical coverage for pregnant women with incomes up to 250 percent of the federal poverty level, depending upon family size. Additionally, through the State Children's Health Insurance Program, the state provides medical coverage for children in families with incomes up to 300 percent of poverty. It has been suggested that, by expanding eligibility for family planning services, the state could avoid the cost of some of the unplanned pregnancies and births for which it would otherwise pay.

Summary of Bill: The DSHS is to submit an application to the federal Department of Health and Human Services by September 30, 2011, to expand eligibility for family planning services to 250 percent of the federal poverty level. Upon implementation of the expansion, the Office of Financial Management is to reduce General Fund-State allotments for the medical assistance program by $4.5 million.