Vashon’s medical voucher program, which covers the cost of some medical care for people who cannot afford it, now provides an expanded number of vouchers for teens seeking confidential medical care regarding sexual and reproductive health.

Previously, only the Vashon Women’s Health Center had those vouchers, but now the program has grown to include Fulton Family Medicine, Vashon Natural Medicine and Maxwell Family Medicine.

Deborah Rieschl at Vashon Youth & Family Services administers the voucher program, which typically requires an appointment with her, but teens seeking confidential care are able to coordinate it directly with the participating clinics, she said.

According to Washington state law, the age of majority for health care is 18, but minors younger than that can receive treatment without parental consent for several health issues, including those related to sexual and reproductive health.

These vouchers, funded by Granny’s Attic, cover being tested for sexually transmitted infections, obtaining birth control or discussing other areas that teens may be uncomfortable talking about with their parents.  With these vouchers, a family’s insurance will not be charged.

Seven youth used these vouchers last year, Rieschl said, but more may use them this year now that the program has expanded to other clinics.

For more information, teens should call the clinics or contact Rieschl at 463-5511, ext. 225.