But what many people don’t know is that there are resources available for folks seeking abortion care in California that could provide them with some financial assistance — even for those who are coming from out of state.
Keep reading for how private insurance and Medi-Cal cover California abortions, where you can find financial aid for the costs associated with the procedure and even access free legal aid regardless of where you live.
California’s Presumptive Eligibility for Pregnant Women (PE4PW) program offers temporary Medi-Cal coverage for outpatient prenatal services for lower-income California residents who are pregnant. This could include pregnancy-related services that don’t need you to stay in the hospital overnight, including abortion.
To access this program, you’ll need to visit a qualified provider or QP — a Medi-Cal provider who’s enrolled in PE4PW and who provides prenatal care. Find a QP near you and contact them to let them know you’d like to be enrolled in PE4PW. If you’re eligible for the program, a QP can enroll you online.
The Planned Parenthood-East Los Angeles Health Center in Los Angeles. (Raquel Natalicchio for CalMatters)
What will my abortion cost if I don’t live in California?
In addition to California, 16 other states’ Medicaid programs cover abortion. This includes: Alaska, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Vermont and Washington.
Be warned that getting your state’s Medicaid to cover out-of-state procedures can be rare. However, there are exceptions, such as life-threatening emergencies. Some plans may apply to medical facilities and hospitals that are along your state’s border, since people may travel there regularly for health care.
What financial aid is available for me to get the abortion I need?
Even though the procedure itself is cost-free in California, people seeking an abortion can still encounter many financial barriers. For example, they may need to take time off work or travel a long way to their nearest available clinic.
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There are several sources of financial aid available to people seeking an abortion, and a patient can apply for multiple sources of assistance at the same time. This assistance varies from cash gifts or gas or grocery gift cards provided by an organization to having a volunteer drive you to the clinic. In some cases, your provider may work with local organizations to assist you or be able to recommend specific sources of financial assistance to best suit your situation.
The following resources can also provide information on finding funds for travel and lodging. (And remember: If you live in a state where abortion is restricted, it’s a good idea to pay attention to your digital privacy.)
ACCESS Reproductive Justice can help you access resources for funding, lodging, meals, child care and travel.
The pills usually cost around $25 to $150, depending on the provider and any discounts it may or may not offer. According to the state Surgeon General’s website, insurance plans are not required to cover drugs that induce abortions.
You can currently find abortion pills in California using the following tools:
Some people may want to consult with an expert about their specific situation. There are several places you can reach out to, including:
Free legal services are available through San Francisco’s Legal Alliance for Reproductive Rights — which also helps people out of the city and even out of the state. The contact is LARR@sfbar.org or 415-875-7076.
