Access to Contraceptive Services for Medicaid Recipients at Community Health Centers

Overview

This study examines the availability of contraceptive services at community health centers (CHCs) for Medicaid enrollees, revealing significant variation in service provision, particularly between urban and rural settings. Approximately two-thirds of CHCs offered intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants.

Background

Community health centers (CHCs) play a crucial role in providing contraceptive care to low-income individuals in the U.S., with a significant portion of their patients insured through Medicaid. Disparities exist in the range of services offered, influenced by factors such as clinician availability and rural-urban differences.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• 98.5% of CHCs offered prescription contraception.
• 96.3% of CHCs provided DMPA (injectable contraception).
• 67.9% of CHCs offered contraceptive implants.
• 67.1% of CHCs provided intrauterine devices (IUDs).
• Rural CHCs had a higher proportion of nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) compared to urban CHCs.
• Family medicine physicians were the most common providers for IUDs and implants.

Clinical Implications

Addressing workforce distribution and service provision disparities is essential for improving access to contraceptive care for Medicaid enrollees.

Conclusion

This study highlights the significant variation in contraceptive service availability at CHCs for Medicaid recipients.

Related Resources & Content

1. JAMA Network Open, 2026 -- Access to Contraceptive Services for Medicaid Recipients at Community Health Centers
2. JAMA Network Open — Optimizing Contraceptive Effectiveness—Lessons From HER Salt Lake on Prioritizing Patient-Centered Care
3. Frontiers in Reproductive Health — On-site IUD implementation in a student-run free clinic
4. Kaiser Family Foundation — Health Insurance Benefits for Women Under Medicaid
5. Journal of General Internal Medicine — The Community Health Center Approach: Enhancing Primary Care Access in Underserved Areas to Foster Health Equity
6. U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use, 2024 | MMWR
7. Health Insurance Benefits for Women Under Medicaid
8. Medicaid Enrollees’ Access to Contraceptive Services at Community Health Centers | Women's Health | JAMA Network Open | JAMA Network
9. Contraceptive Care Measures | HHS Office of Population Affairs