Computer Glitch Hinders Contraceptive Access in Family PACT Program
During the past week, computer problems prevented many low-income California residents from filling birth control prescriptions, the Los Angeles Times' "L.A. Now" reports.
The glitch affected residents covered by the state Department of Public Health's Family Planning Access Care Treatment program. Family PACT covers about two million Californians, including some beneficiaries of Medi-Cal, California's Medicaid program.
State officials said the computer problems prevented many health care providers from dispensing more than one month of birth control prescriptions, instead of the usual three-month supply. Some pharmacists reported that they were unable to fill any prescriptions covered under the program (Hennessy-Fiske, "L.A. Now," Los Angeles Times, 1/5).
Officials said a Jan. 1 computer system update caused the glitch. They added that the problem was corrected by Tuesday afternoon (Velie, Cal Coast News, 1/5). This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.