What will happen if I write down a lower income in order to receive free Planned Parenthood services?

Question

I am 23 years old and do not have any health insurance. Right now I am working an okay job but our office is going through a realignment, so I am trying to save up every penny I can for when the job ends. Is it possible to give them a lower income in order to receive free services? Do they verify income? I give donations when I have money - it's just that right now I can't afford the services. :( Plus, the income that I get goes to help my parents and siblings - that's where a good chunk of my paycheck goes. Also, I am moving to Los Angeles and made an appointment at an office in L.A. but I will not be down there for two weeks or so. Will they check my address too? Or does it not matter since I'm moving there anyway? Thanks, all.

The planned parenthood in L.A. told me that I didn't need to bring any kind of income verification. I mostly want to know if they verify the income within their system or something...

Also, I called and asked and they said that all the person has to do is fill out the paperwork - that they don't check for the income. I'm curious now more than ever to see if any employees or former employees of PP can tell us how they check? Do they check Tax Returns or anything?

Answer 1

They will probably ask you for a recent pay stub or tax return to verify income level. If they find out that you lied on your application they can come after you for the difference at any time. I wouldn't chance it. There are payment plans and assistance to help pregnant women.

Answer 2

Yes, they do verify your income information, sometimes with a phone call and sometimes with a letter that your boss has to fill out and sign. Fraud is a crime punishable by jail time and/or fines, as well as having to pay back any money or services you receive unlawfully. I live in a small town and those things usually make the newspaper, imagine how embarrassing that would be!! I can't see how it would be worth it if you got caught. I would suggest checking with your local health department and see if they have a program to help you out. Good luck!!

Answer 3

u must be thinking some people on here are mean and inaccurate but one person.. the person who said the honor system. if u don't make enough for services than u qualify.. period. none of us know how much u make but. planned parenthood is the greatest and offers great services. some people said dont cheat the system thats fraud blah blah blah.. i'd rather u care for your health that sit at home clueless about ur health. u have to think about getting tested for infections, bacteria, HIV....STD'S....so u wont spread it. No, they don't verify income or address. you will fill out an application and they will ask for your I.D. thats it.

Answer 4

You will make it hard for people that really have low income. One bad apple spoil a bunch. This all means that lying to people about getting free stuff will catch up with you and the end someone might lie to you about something or you might have to pay back that company that you lied to or they might stop that program of free stuff because of you lying about your income. Be truthful in all that you do no matter what good things come to good people everything free isn't good and these are the choices that we don't look at when we are making children.

Answer 5

no matter what your story is.. usually they dont care. They will more than likely look at your personal expenses and cost of living to determine what they will assist you with. Unless your parents and siblings are legally your responsibility- they wont factor that in. They would see that as you almost "donating" your money to them. It would be different if you were legally responsible for their finances. By putting down you earn less than you do- you could (youd have to be very lucky to get away with it) but you could get lucky enough and they wouldnt check your "status" but in most circumstaces- they do check that stuff and you will more than likely sign papers that say something along the lines of you agree that all information you gave is true. By signing this, you are saying you are telling the truth, if you are not- they will more than likely find out. Not only will you not get assistance, you could be prosecuted. It is (at least in most states) considered fraud.

Answer 6

If they find out that you lied intentionally on the paperwork then you can go to jail for fraud. Yes they do verify but asking you to bring in paystubs and they can also view your tax information. Youre best bet is to tell the truth and hope that your income qualifies. If it doesn't try again next month.

Answer 7

Did you check with them to find out the costs per income to begin with? You might want to call and ask around just in case. I wouldn't recommend lying, but I honestly don't know if they check. Research first before you consider fudging your forms...it could be bad in the end.

Answer 8

please dont lie. i was in your situation about 7 years ago, i made too much to receive services for free. dont worry, i was making good money at the time but i didnt have medical insurance. even with a good paycheck i only had to pay 12 dollars for a 3 month supply of bc pills and the well woman exam was free. they will work with you trust me, it's cheaper to offer birth control than pay welfare out on a newborn and it's mother..

Answer 9

True. Fraud is a felony. But why should you be any different from the millions who abuse the system everyday? If you tell them you are not working, they won't ask for paycheck stubs. Or you can call ahead and ask their rates for uninsured working women. Fraud is a felony------if you're caught!

Answer 10

JAIL!!

Heh. Likely they will never find out. They are kind of relying on the honor system so try not to cheat 'em for too long.

Sounds like it'll all even out in the end.