• This is an Office of Population Affairs (OPA) administrative measure.
• The annual reported rate captures activity during the stated measurement year (MY).

This measure shows:

Among women ages 15 to 44 at risk of unintended pregnancy, the percentage that:

1. Were provided a most effective or moderately effective method of contraception (MMEC).
2. Were provided a long-acting reversible method of contraception (LARC).

The Adult Core Set asks states to report the rate for the subset of members 21-44 years of age (shown above).

The rate is an intermediate outcome measure, and it is desirable to have a high percentage of women who are provided the most effective or moderately effective contraceptive methods. A state should exercise caution in using this measure for payment purposes, because performance on this measure is a function of a woman’s preferences. The goal is to provide an indicator for states to assess the provision of most or moderately effective contraceptive methods within the state, and see where there is room for improvement.

The Pregnancy Intention Initiative (PII) is a state initiative and Medicaid funded program that strives to support any persons who can become pregnant in their efforts to experience healthy pregnancies, avoid unintended pregnancies, and build thriving families. Providers and PII counselor engage with patients age 15-44 at the new patient and annual visits to screen for mental health needs, substance use, and Social Determinants of Health. They ask about pregnancy intention for the coming year using the One Key Question®, which asks if, when, and under what circumstances a woman would like to become pregnant. Individuals who can become pregnant with a desire to become pregnant receive services to support a healthy pregnancy. If the individual would like to prevent pregnancy, providers conduct comprehensive family planning counseling and provide patients with options for MMEC or LARC. 

This initiative along with the possibility that women may have delayed care during the pandemic, including methods that involve office visits such as LARC, may have contributed to the increase in MMEC for MY22. 

Last updated:  February 2024