Policy Directive                                                     Issuance Number: MS 03-05

Medical Services Policy Manual                       Issuance Date: August 1, 2003

From: Joni Jones, Director                               Expiration Date: Until Superseded

Subj: Family Planning Waiver Extension

The Family Planning Waiver was extended for another three years beginning in March of this year. In addition to the extension, two major changes have been made.

Effective August 1, 2003, the income limit for Family Planning Waiver will increase to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level to correspond with the income limit for SOBRA Pregnant Women.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is now requiring that yearly reevaluations be conducted on Family Planning Waiver cases. The reevaluation process will be phased in over the next nine to twelve months. County offices will be advised of any special procedures to be followed.

All family planning providers will now be allowed to assist patients in completing the Application for Family Planning and FAX it to the DHS county office for processing. This procedure was allowed for only certain providers in the past. The application date will be the date the county receives the FAXED application. Interviews will not be required regardless of where the application is made.

These changes will be effective August 1, 2003.  See policy [MS12500-MS12580].

Inquiries to: Jack Tiner, 501-682-8259

Diana Teal, 501-682-1562

Carmen Banks, 501-682-8258

Carla Droughn, 501-682-8254