How do I qualify?
A Step Ahead Foundation Tri-Cities will cover any resident or student in our eight county region of Northeast Tennessee seeking a long-acting, reversible, contraceptive (LARC) regardless of income, ability to pay, immigration status, or insurance.
No background check, no drug test, no proof of income or residence required.
A Step Ahead Foundation Tri-Cities will cover any resident or student in our eight county region of Northeast Tennessee seeking a long-acting, reversible, contraceptive (LARC) regardless of income, ability to pay, immigration status, or insurance.
No background check, no drug test, no proof of income or residence required.
What if I don't have insurance?
We will pay the full cost for any of our patients who want to receive a free IUD, implant, or Depo-Provera shot.
We will pay the full cost for any of our patients who want to receive a free IUD, implant, or Depo-Provera shot.
What if I have insurance?
Our partner health center will bill your private insurance first, but we will pay any co-pay and/or deductibles for any patient living in the Tri-Cities region. There will be no out of pocket costs to any of our patients.
Our partner health center will bill your private insurance first, but we will pay any co-pay and/or deductibles for any patient living in the Tri-Cities region. There will be no out of pocket costs to any of our patients.
What if I don't want to use my insurance?
If you don't want to use your insurance to receive LARC we will pay the full cost.
If you don't want to use your insurance to receive LARC we will pay the full cost.
What does the appointment include?
With any appointment for free birth control (LARC), we provide a free wellness visit including a pregnancy test and STI test. If you are over 21 and your medical provider deems it medically necessary, you may also receive a free PAP test.
With any appointment for free birth control (LARC), we provide a free wellness visit including a pregnancy test and STI test. If you are over 21 and your medical provider deems it medically necessary, you may also receive a free PAP test.
I don't have a car, how do I get to my appointment?
No worries, we provide free transportation to and from appointments. This is set up through our call center when you make an appointment.
No worries, we provide free transportation to and from appointments. This is set up through our call center when you make an appointment.
The counties we serve...
Carter, Greene, Hancock, Hawkins, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi, and Washington Counties.
Carter, Greene, Hancock, Hawkins, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi, and Washington Counties.
Will you pay for my pill / patch / ring prescription?
Sorry, we only pay for IUDs, Implant or Depo-Provera shot. These forms of birth control are 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. Since they are more effective and hassle-free then other methods, we recommend talking to your doctor or nurse to learn about the various LARCs available.
Sorry, we only pay for IUDs, Implant or Depo-Provera shot. These forms of birth control are 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. Since they are more effective and hassle-free then other methods, we recommend talking to your doctor or nurse to learn about the various LARCs available.
What is an IUD?
An Intrauterine Device, (IUD) is a small, t-shaped device that keeps prevents pregnancy. IUD's come in Hormonal or Non-Hormonal options.
An Intrauterine Device, (IUD) is a small, t-shaped device that keeps prevents pregnancy. IUD's come in Hormonal or Non-Hormonal options.
Where does an IUD go?
A doctor or nurse puts the IUD in the uterus, which is inside the person's body above the cervix and vagina. IUD stands for “Intrauterine Device,” which means it is inside the uterus.
A doctor or nurse puts the IUD in the uterus, which is inside the person's body above the cervix and vagina. IUD stands for “Intrauterine Device,” which means it is inside the uterus.
How long does an IUD last?
IUD's can last from 3 to 10 years depending on the IUD you select. Non-Hormonal ParaGard lasts for 10 years. Mirena and Kyleena last for 5 years. Liletta lasts up to 4 years and Skyla lasts up to 3 years. Both can be taken out by a doctor or nurse at any time.
IUD's can last from 3 to 10 years depending on the IUD you select. Non-Hormonal ParaGard lasts for 10 years. Mirena and Kyleena last for 5 years. Liletta lasts up to 4 years and Skyla lasts up to 3 years. Both can be taken out by a doctor or nurse at any time.
How do I use an IUD?
Once a doctor or nurse puts in the IUD, you don't have to do anything! You are protected from pregnancy until you choose to have it removed.
Once a doctor or nurse puts in the IUD, you don't have to do anything! You are protected from pregnancy until you choose to have it removed.
How well does an IUD work?
It is one of the most effective forms of birth control available. If 100 women use an IUD, on average less than 1 will become pregnant within a year.
It is one of the most effective forms of birth control available. If 100 women use an IUD, on average less than 1 will become pregnant within a year.
How does an IUD work?
Non-hormonal IUD's such as Paragard work by acting as a spermicide, killing sperm, interfering with egg fertilization, and possibly preventing implantation.
Hormonal IUD's such as Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta and Skyla work by:
Non-hormonal IUD's such as Paragard work by acting as a spermicide, killing sperm, interfering with egg fertilization, and possibly preventing implantation.
Hormonal IUD's such as Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta and Skyla work by:
- Thickening cervical mucus to prevent sperm from entering your uterus
- Inhibiting sperm from reaching or fertilizing your egg
- Thinning the lining of your uterus
- In some cases inhibiting ovulation
Does the IUD protect me from STIs?
Nope, absolutely not. So definitely use a condom every time you have sex so that you are protected from pregnancy AND sexually transmitted infections.
Nope, absolutely not. So definitely use a condom every time you have sex so that you are protected from pregnancy AND sexually transmitted infections.
What types of IUDs does A Step Ahead Foundation provide?
We provide Paragard, Mirena, Skyla, Liletta, and Kyleena. Talk to your nurse or doctor about which IUD may be right for you.
We provide Paragard, Mirena, Skyla, Liletta, and Kyleena. Talk to your nurse or doctor about which IUD may be right for you.
How do I learn more?
You can always set up an appointment with one of our doctors or nurses to talk about the IUD or implant, or you head over to our blog and ask one of us!
You can always set up an appointment with one of our doctors or nurses to talk about the IUD or implant, or you head over to our blog and ask one of us!
I don't live in Tri-Cities, how can I get A Step Ahead in my city?
Check our listing of affiliate locations under "contact", or email info@astepaheadtricities.org for information on ASAF affiliates. It's possible there's an A Step Ahead affiliate in your region already!
Check our listing of affiliate locations under "contact", or email info@astepaheadtricities.org for information on ASAF affiliates. It's possible there's an A Step Ahead affiliate in your region already!