Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to be a part of the Cooperatives?

Any agency, delegate agency or clinic which receives funding from a Title X federal grant may participate in the Family Planning Cooperative Purchasing Program (FPCPP). Any agency, delegate agency or clinic which is non profit and licensed, but does not receive Title X funding may pay $199 and participate in the Cooperative Purchasing Network (CPN).

Is there a fee to join the Cooperatives?

There is a nominal fee of $199 annually. Most members recover this cost with the savings they receive on their first order.

What is the relationship between the Cooperative's contract prices and Public Health Pricing/340B pricing?

Designated agencies who receive specific federal grant money are eligible to purchase pharmaceuticals at a lower price level. These prices are calculated by drug companies and the United States government Office of Pharmacy Affairs. The lowest possible price for pharmaceuticals, office supply products, lab services and medical/surgical supplies are negotiated for both cooperatives. Some of the prices negotiated are as low as Public Health Pricing, (340B price) and some are even lower.

My agency is reimbursed by Medicaid and other state programs. Can we still participate in the Cooperatives?

Yes

Can we purchase newer contraceptive products like the Nuvaring and EVRA patch through the Cooperatives?

Yes.

I am a Title X delegate agency. Do I have to purchase for all my sites or can they buy on their own?

The primary recipient of Title X funds does not have to place orders. Each clinic may purchase on an individual basis.

Are only California agencies eligible to participate in the Cooperatives?

No. The Family Planning Cooperative Program is currently made up of 44 states and approximately 2200 locations nationwide.

 

Do participants have input concerning what is placed on contract?

Absolutely. We are constantly in receipt of suggestions for additional products or product lines and negotiate with pharmaceutical and other product companies daily. What are your needs?

Do you purchase supplies and distribute them to clinics?

No. The cooperatives do not buy, sell, supply or distribute to clinics. We provide all the information you need to open an account and make purchases directly with the companies that we have agreements with.

Do I have to pay shipping & handling costs when I order? Are other charges involved?

Each vendor has negotiated with us separately. Some charge shipping and handling and some have minimum order requirements.

When do the contracts end? Are the contracts/agreements on a quarterly basis? Annual basis? How do I know if pricing is going to change?

Each vendor has a separate contract/agreement. Most contracts have been set for at least a two year period. Pharmaceutical prices may change quarterly, but we have set a fixed price whenever possible.

Are the products on contract/agreement reimbursable by the Family Pact program in California?

Most, but not all. If the federal Medi-Cal program in California does not reimburse for the product or services relating to the product, then the Family Pact program probably does not reimburse for that product or service.

We are a Cooperative Program participant, but when I called a vendor, they say I'm not on the list. What list are they referring to and what should I do?

We maintain a list of the agencies, delegate agencies and clinics who are Cooperative Program participants. Each vendor has a copy of this list & may refer to it to ensure that a site is a member. In addition, the Office of Pharmacy Affairs maintains a list of agencies who receive specific federal grants and are therefore eligible to purchase pharmaceuticals at the Public Health price level. You can access the Office of Pharmacy Affairs list by clicking here. If you are part of the cooperative and have difficulty placing an order, please contact us. We will help resolve the issue with you. See our "Contact Us" page on this website.

When and how do we receive price and order information?

Order and price information is available on the "Members Only" page of our web site for Family Planning Cooperative Purchasing Program participants.

If I have questions regarding a vendor, a product, or a price I am quoted, or if I need to delete or add a site to the membership, who do I contact?

Please see our "Contact Us" page. Any of these people can help you. New site information may also be faxed to us at 213-368-4410.