To examine the scope of contraception services and the rural-urban distribution of contraception clinicians among Medicaid enrollees receiving care at community health centers (CHCs).
Approach:
Data Source: Utilized the 2021 Transformed Medicaid Statistical Information System analytical files to analyze Medicaid claims data.
Methodology: Created a dataset linking clinicians with CHC grantees and assessed the availability of contraception services across CHCs.
Statistical Analysis: Calculated the number and proportion of CHCs offering contraception services and conducted χ2 tests to assess differences by rurality.
Key Findings:
Prescription contraception was available at 98.5% of CHCs.
DMPA was available at 96.3% of CHCs.
Implants were available at 67.9% of CHCs.
IUDs were available at 67.1% of CHCs.
609,172 Medicaid enrollees received contraception services at CHCs in 2021.
Rural CHCs had higher proportions of Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Physician Assistants (PAs) compared to urban CHCs.
Limitations:
The study did not capture services delivered through Title X.
Potential changes to Medicaid eligibility and revenue could impact future access to contraceptive services.
