This leaves thousands of low-income Texas teens at risk of unintended pregnancy, and increasing costs to the state.
The Texas Campaign produced a research report on contraception in CHIP. Findings include:
Among teens aged 13-19 who were enrolled in CHIP in Fiscal Year 2018, nearly 1,600 experienced a documented pregnancy within the next year. While pregnancy rates are low among young teens, 6% of 18 year old girls enrolled in CHIP in FY 18 experienced a documented pregnancy by the next year.
Adding contraception as a benefit in CHIP would save money, both by reducing unintended teen pregnancy and by drawing a federal match for family planning services. Teens on CHIP who need contraception are currently directed to the state’s Family Planning Program, which is 100% funded with state general revenue.