Free Birth Control for OSU Students: Your Guide to the Oregon Contraceptive Care Program

Are you an Oregon State University student looking for affordable and confidential reproductive health services? Student Health Services (SHS) at OSU is proud to participate in the Oregon Contraceptive Care Program (CCare), a fantastic resource providing free contraceptive services, birth control options, and comprehensive reproductive health care to eligible students. This federally funded program ensures that qualifying OSU students, regardless of gender, can access the care they need without financial burden.

Understanding the Oregon Contraceptive Care Program (CCare)

The Oregon Contraceptive Care Program, or CCare, is a state-funded initiative designed to make reproductive health care and contraceptive services accessible to individuals who meet specific income criteria. Through CCare, OSU’s Student Health Services can offer a range of essential services at no cost to eligible students. These services include contraceptive management visits, which cover everything from initial birth control consultations and method initiation to ongoing follow-up care. CCare also covers annual exams, Pap smears, and importantly, emergency contraception. Whether you’re seeking guidance on the best birth control method for your needs or require routine reproductive health check-ups, CCare can help. Our dedicated and experienced healthcare professionals at Student Health Services are committed to providing confidential and personalized care, ensuring you receive the support and information necessary to make informed decisions about your reproductive health.

Are You Eligible for Free Contraceptive Services Through CCare?

To benefit from the Oregon Contraceptive Care Program at OSU, you need to meet a few straightforward eligibility requirements. Firstly, you must be a U.S. citizen or hold a qualifying immigration status (it’s best to contact the CCare office directly to confirm specific immigration status eligibility). Secondly, there are monthly income limits: for individual students, the income limit is currently capped at $3,138 per month, and for couples, it’s $4,259. Crucially, this income assessment is based solely on your individual income before taxes and does not take into account parental income or financial aid you may receive. It’s also important to note that if you are already enrolled in the Oregon Health Plan, you are automatically considered part of the CCare program and can access these services. If you believe you meet these criteria, you can quickly enroll and schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider, often within just a couple of days.

Enrolling in CCare at OSU Student Health Services: A Simple Process

Enrolling in the Oregon Contraceptive Care Program at OSU is designed to be user-friendly and efficient. Student Health Services offers two convenient ways to enroll.

  1. Contact the SHS CCare Office: You can call the SHS CCare office directly at 541-737-9140 and leave a voicemail. Be sure to include your student ID and request a CCare enrollment form via DocuSign. This allows you to complete the enrollment process online from anywhere.
  2. Visit the Health Center In-Person: Alternatively, you can visit the Student Health Services center during CCare office hours, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. CCare staff will be available to assist you in filling out a paper enrollment form on-site and answer any questions you may have.

Once you have submitted your enrollment form, either via DocuSign or in person, it will be processed for approval. Upon approval, you will be eligible to schedule a consultation appointment with a healthcare provider at Student Health Services. During this appointment, you can discuss your contraceptive options, receive your FREE contraceptives, and get any necessary follow-up instructions from your provider. Take advantage of this valuable program to prioritize your reproductive health while studying at Oregon State University.

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