Planned Parenthood sues Missouri over Medicaid defunding
In May, Missouri passed a law that banned Medicaid funds from going to any organization that provides abortion services, effectively kicking Planned Parenthood out of the program. In response, the organization is filing a lawsuit against the government.
Planned Parenthood Great Plains and Planned Parenthood Great Rivers have filed a complaint with a state board that arbitrates disputes between private entities and Missouri lawmakers, arguing the law is too broad, as Planned Parenthood provides a variety of healthcare services to low-income residents of the state, none of which will now be reimbursed.
At the heart of the issue is existing Missouri law that effectively bans abortion and does not allow any of the procedures to be reimbursed by Medicaid. However, the new law would pull funds from Planned Parenthood in Missouri on the basis the organization provides abortions in other states.
“Missouri voters have spoken: They want more healthcare choices. Missouri courts have spoken: The state must follow the law. And yet Missouri’s politicians act like they haven’t heard a thing. While nearly every state health indicator woefully trails national standards, the legislature has focused on election year stunts with complete disregard for real Missourians. Planned Parenthood won’t stop fighting for and serving patients, and the legislature would do well to take note,” Emily Wales, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, said in a statement.
Planned Parenthood is arguing the state has exceeded its legal authority, and they will be requesting Medicaid funds be restored. Nearly 1 in 5 Planned Parenthood patients in Missouri is insured through Medicaid, the organization said.
Despite being defunded, Planned Parenthood said it will continue to provide services as normal, pending a decision from the state.
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