WHAT SERVICES DO YOU OFFER AT NO COST THROUGH A STEP AHEAD CHATTANOOGA?
- Insertion and removal of implants and hormonal and non-hormonal IUDs
- Pregnancy and additional testing in conjunction with your appointment
DO I HAVE TO LIVE IN CHATTANOOGA?
A Step Ahead serves residents and students of the following tri-state, eighteen county service area:
Tennessee Counties: Bledsoe, Bradley, Franklin, Grundy, Hamilton, Marion, Meigs, McMinn, Polk, Rhea, and Sequatchie
Georgia Counties: Catoosa, Dade, Murray, Walker, and Whitfield
Alabama Counties: DeKalb and Jackson
If you’re enrolled in any school (including college) in our service area, you’re also eligible, even if your home zip code is elsewhere.
DO I NEED INSURANCE?
No, we will pay the full cost for any of our clients who want to receive a free IUD or implant. If you have insurance, our medical partners will bill your private insurance first. We will pay any co-pay and/or deductibles. There will be no out-of-pocket cost to you.
WILL YOU PAY FOR MY PILL/PATCH/RING/ETC.?
We pay for IUDs and implants. At this time we do not cover any other methods of preventative birth control.
HOW DO I SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT?
Call 423-265-STEP (7837) to schedule an appointment.
One appointment line is operated by our trained and friendly volunteers. They will connect you to a local medical provider and answer any questions you may have. Any costs will be paid by us or your insurance. You pay nothing out of pocket.
Appointment Line Hours of Operation
Monday-Friday
9:00 am-5:00 pm EST
After-Hours Calls
If you call us after 5:00 pm on a weekday or on the weekend, you may leave us a voicemail after hours, and one of our volunteers or staff members will return your call the following business day.
Holiday Hours
Our office will be closed for the following holidays:
New Years Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Thanksgiving (Thursday & Friday)
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
Sorry, we only pay for IUDs and implants, the most effective and hassle-free forms of birth control. Please check our resources page here to find additional information.
WHAT IS AN IUD?
An IUD is a small T-shaped device that is placed in the uterus by a healthcare provider. Once it is in, you cannot feel it. There are two types of IUDs: the non-hormonal–copper IUD and the hormonal–levonorgestrel IUD. You can learn more about IUDs here.
WHAT IS AN IMPLANT?
An implant is a small, flexible rod placed in the arm by a healthcare provider. The implant uses hormones to prevent pregnancy. You can learn more about the implant here.
DO IUDS AND IMPLANTS PROTECT AGAINST SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS?
No, IUDs and implants do not protect you from STIs. Only condoms can prevent STIs. If you’d like us to send you FREE condoms by mail, please fill out this request form here.
I NEED MY IUD OR IMPLANT REMOVED. WILL YOU PAY FOR THAT?
We will pay for your IUD or implant removal if you live or go to school in our service area, regardless of whether you receive a new device.
DO YOU OFFER TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM MY APPOINTMENTS?
Yes, we offer free transportation to and from appointments if an adult or minor with adult supervision needs it. We use Uber (where available) to transport clients to appointments. If Uber is not available in your area, we offer alternate options.
