Practical insights at a critical time: Lessons from Illinois on implementing family planning state plan amendments

Family planning Medicaid programs via state plan amendments can extend preventative care coverage to broader populations, generate cost savings for states, and safeguard against changes to Title X and to Medicaid and its financing structure. Contraceptive access initiatives, as subject matter experts and coalition builders, are uniquely positioned to serve as "systems orchestrators", working across "the 4 Ps"-providers, patients, payers, and policymakers-to fulfill the promise of these policies to improve access to critical sexual and reproductive health services. Since 2021, ICAN! has played this role in Illinois. By providing technical assistance to state agencies, developing tailored trainings for diverse audiences of providers working in health center and community-based settings, and engaging patients through culturally responsive public awareness campaigns and digital tools, ICAN! has developed and implemented a family planning state plan amendment that may serve as a model for other states.