- 1). Read the eligibility requirements and determine if you qualify for the Take Charge Program. Additional stipulations might apply, but the basic guidelines are as follows: You must be a U.S. citizen, National or "qualified alien---and a resident of Washington State. You must be at or below the two hundred percent of the federal poverty level. You cannot receive coverage for family planning or reproductive health from any other provider, nor can you receive care if you are currently pregnant or have already been sterilized.
- 2). Call a Take Charge provider location near you. Tell the health provider you would like to make an appointment to discuss contraceptive options or to receive your annual exam. Also tell him or her you would like to sign up for Take Charge before the visit.
- 3). Collect the necessary documents before your appointment. Your provider will ask you to bring a picture identification and may ask for other documents as well, such as additional proof of Washington State residency and/or income level. Bring all of these documents with you to your appointment.
- 4). Check in for your appointment and fill out the required forms given to you by your provider. He or she will send the forms in to be processed and, in the meantime, your appointment and contraceptives will be free to you. You may also download and fill out an online application (see Resources).
- 5). When your Take Charge membership status is approved, you will be notified by your provider and sent a membership card.
- 6). Access the Take Charge covered services. Covered services for women include nonprescription and prescription contraceptives, over-the-counter family planning devices and drugs, and one family planning preventative visit. Covered services for men include over-the-counter contraceptives, screening for sexually transmitted diseases, education and counseling sessions, and in some cases, sterilization.
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