Sacramento Life Center is committed to providing a safe place for men and women facing an unplanned or unsupported pregnancy find compassion, support and free medical care along with community resources.
We have built on our commitment this past year by becoming a Medi-Cal Provider with the State of California and being eligible to enroll our patients in the Presumptive Eligibility for Pregnant Women (PE4PW) program. Taking this important leap allows Sacramento Life Center to better assist our patients in seeking a smooth transition to medical care through an obstetrician, or even emergent care through a hospital emergency room. It allows Sacramento Life Center to bill for the important services we provide without passing on any fees to patients.
More than 50% of our patients have no active insurance, even though they qualify for Medi-Cal. The enrollment process is overwhelming for some, confusing, and can be very protracted. There is always a concern when you are not covered by insurance…”How will I pay for this?”, “How long will it take to get covered?”, “I’m having problems now, but I can’t afford to go to the ER.”
One in ten of our pregnant patients are found to have possible complications when they present at our clinics. This could be anything from severe hyperemesis, ectopic pregnancy, bleeding, suspected fetal anomalies, a multiple gestation, a fetal demise, pelvic abnormalities, pre-existing chronic health issues that can compromise pregnancy, pain, cramping, or even constipation. When there is no insurance in place, and a suspected or known problem, Sacramento Life Center is now able to enroll patients who are presumed to be eligible in the Presumptive Eligibility for Pregnant Women (PE4PW) program.
The Presumptive Eligibility for Pregnant Women (PE4PW) program allows Sacramento Life Center to grant immediate, temporary Medi-Cal coverage for ambulatory prenatal care and prescription drugs for conditions related to pregnancy to low-income, pregnant patients, pending their formal Medi-Cal application.The presumptive eligibility period will begin the day the application is approved and will end the last day of the following month. Therefore, an individual can have coverage for up to 60 full days.
Now, with the PE4PW in place, patients are confident in seeking the care they need.