Seattle's "Take Charge" Medical Program

Family planning is not talked about often and it's a free card to get for low income families. Low income families get hit the hardest since what they make each month is not enough to cover so the DSHS (Dept of Social and Health Services) have a neat program where you can get birth control stuff for free. Here are the steps to take in order to get it.

1. Before you go talk to your health care provider, decide on which route you want to go for birth control methods. There are many different options such as birth control pills, contraceptive patch and ring, emergency contraception, Depo shot, IUD, diaphragm, cervical cap, condoms and contraceptive gel, film, foam, suppositories without a prescription at a pharmacy, gynecological exam, tubal ligation and vasectomy.

2. After deciding, talk to them about which method you and your spouse chose to go and ask on how you can get the "Take Charge" card. It doesn't take long to sign up for the program. If you are on DSHS to get their free medical and/or food program, you may qualify for this program.

3. If you are currently pregnant, the best way to go is to wait on getting any birth control items since there is really nothing you can do at the moment until after you give birth. If you are planning to get the tubal ligation, they can go ahead and do the procedure within that day or so while at the hospital. But if your husband/boyfriend want to get one themselves on vasectomy, the "Take Charge" card will be able to cover the bill for them.

As you can see, it is not hard to get into the program as long as you are low income. You have to remember that you need to reapply this program once a year to renew or you would have to wait and maybe have to use your own money to pay. To renew, you take the card to your provider and you are all set from that.

For pregnant women, they need to show proof that they are by doing a free pregnancy test done at the public health clinic such as the one at 10501 Meridian Ave. N. That clinic accept medical coupon but without one, you just pay a low fee depending on the pay scale. I suggest you go to the nearest location and you are familiar with the health care people that takes care of your health issues. Public health places also have a small kids section to play at while waiting. Depending on how many they have to see, it can take more than half an hour.