Q: Can you explain what the Prenatal Care Assistance Program (PCAP) is?
Emmanuel: PCAP is a state-funded insurance program that helps pay for prenatal care services of underserved and uninsured women in Harlem. The current economic crisis we are experiencing in this country has certainly made many aspects of daily life difficult, and this also includes the cost of medical care. In addition to helping pay for prenatal care for women who experience hardships such as incarceration, homelessness and drug use, PCAP is especially important during this economic recession as many women may recently be uninsured due to layoffs and could be having a difficult time with their finances. This program helps to ease the burden of the cost of prenatal care and ensures that all women will have the opportunity to have a healthy pregnancy.
Q: How can women take part in the PCAP program?
Emmanuel: Typically, when pregnant women come to our center, whether they were referred by SisterLink or another referral service, we do an assessment of their financial situation. If they meet certain criteria, such as the inability to pay for prenatal care services or are uninsured, we offer them the opportunity to participate in PCAP. Basically, if these women don’t have a job, they would be eligible for the program, but we know more clearly after doing the financial screening.
