The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) celebrates the first year of Plan First!, offering free family planning services to nearly 20,000 residents.
This limited Medicaid benefit aims to bridge the gap for those who lack access to crucial health care services, including contraception, sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, and cancer screenings. Plan First! continues to expand access to vital reproductive health care at a time when such services are at the forefront of public policy debates across the country.
Expanding Access to Reproductive Health Care
The program, designed to offer comprehensive family planning services, includes FDA-approved birth control methods, pregnancy testing, and natural family planning options. Additional services include cancer screenings, HIV prevention medications, and follow-up care. Individuals can also access vaccines and preconception health services under the program.
MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel emphasized the state's commitment to reproductive health in a statement: "All families should have the resources they need to decide when and if they want to start a family. Plan First! was an important step in our efforts to increase access to health care coverage."
Who Can Qualify for Plan First?
Plan First! is open to Michigan residents who are not currently pregnant, meet income eligibility guidelines (at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level), and are not covered by another Medicaid program. The program ensures that all enrollees have free choice of family planning providers and may seek services from qualified Medicaid-enrolled providers across the state, including Title X clinics, local health departments, and federally qualified health centers.
The application process for Plan First! is straightforward: individuals can apply through the MI Bridges portal or complete a paper form. This coverage also includes options for enrollment in the Health Care Marketplace, providing broader access to family planning services.
Addressing Unmet Health Needs in Michigan
The success of Plan First! highlights Michigan’s efforts to address reproductive health disparities and promote access to essential health care. With continued political debates over reproductive rights, the program serves as a critical resource for Michiganders seeking birth control, STI testing, and related health services.
As the program moves into its second year, it is expected to continue growing, with an increased focus on ensuring that reproductive health services are available to all, regardless of income or other barriers.
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