MASON CITY, IA - The Family Planning department of the North Iowa Community Action Organization is expecting to see more interest in its services. Clinic directors said it won't be for a few months. But recent lay-offs and tough economic times mean more women will need affordable health care.
They said the rush will likely happen when unemployment benefits run out for local workers. They're reminding folks their services are available to women of almost all income brackets.
Associate Director of Planning and Development Barb Kellogg explained, "people who are just trying to struggle to get by, they may have one job, they may have more than one job. And the income guidelines for many of our programs - particularly the family health programs - are fairly high in comparison to the federal poverty level."
Family planning costs are measured on a sliding-fee scale. Women should bring their latest proof of income and utility bills to their appointment. This helps clinic workers decide how much you need to pay.
