Planned Parenthood Releases New State Fact Sheets That Show Why Medicaid Expansion Is Key to Increasing Access to Reproductive Health Care
For Immediate Release: Sept. 29, 2021
The U.S. House of Representatives’s reconciliation package would expand Medicaid in 12 remaining states, helping 800,000 women of reproductive age access coverage
Washington, DC — Today, as Congress continues to consider a reconciliation package that would close the Medicaid coverage gap, Planned Parenthood Federation of America published 12 new state-focused fact sheets highlighting why expanding Medicaid coverage is critical to expanding access to sexual and reproductive health care. There are fact sheets for each state that has not yet expanded Medicaid. They detail how many people in each state would gain health insurance coverage if Congress passes the package.
If Congress closes this gap in Medicaid coverage, at least 4 million people nationally would gain access to affordable health insurance, including more than 800,000 women of reproductive age. The fact sheets include state-specific information on sexual and reproductive health care services covered under Medicaid; the number of estimated women who could receive those services through Medicaid expansion; demographic breakdowns according to race and ethnicity of those who would benefit; and other relevant data.
Statement from Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood Federation of America:
“Everyone deserves access to quality affordable health care services regardless of their income. As the largest payer of reproductive health care in the nation, Medicaid is essential for people to access sexual and reproductive health care and is key to preventing maternal mortality, which disproportionately affects Black women.
“Despite its tremendous benefits, 12 states have yet to expand Medicaid, disproportionately impacting people of color, LGBTQ+ people, and women, who, because of systemic discrimination and barriers to economic advancement, are more likely to use Medicaid. These millions of people, including more than 800,000 women of reproductive age, need access to health care, and they need it now. There is an urgent need for Congress to pass the reconciliation package and close the Medicaid coverage gap once and for all.”
Despite generous financial incentives from the federal government, politicians in these 12 states are denying people care to which they are entitled. Closing the Medicaid coverage gap in these states is a necessary step to narrow health disparities experienced by communities of color and people with low incomes. It would provide coverage to 2.2 million additional people with low incomes who are currently uninsured, as well as an additional 1.8 million uninsured adults who are currently eligible for private health insurance plans through the Affordable Care Act but cannot afford them.
In addition to expanding Medicaid, it is also imperative that people using Medicaid can visit their health care providers of choice, including Planned Parenthood health centers. In Texas, Gov. Abbott’s move to keep Texans with low incomes from receiving health care at Planned Parenthood health centers is in direct defiance of the Biden administration’s guidance and clearly-established Medicaid law.
Earlier this month, House committees advanced critical budget reconciliation legislation that permanently closes the Medicaid coverage gap; strengthens the Affordable Care Act (ACA); invests in maternal health; and provides additional investments in public health.
The 12 state fact sheets examine:
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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable sexual and reproductive health care for all people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With more than 600 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect, and without judgment, striving to create equitable access to health care. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable education and information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives. Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that supports the independently incorporated Planned Parenthood affiliates operating health centers across the U.S.