Women's Access to Health Care Protected as Case Proceeds

PHOENIX— On Friday, July 27, the United States District Court signed an order stopping the state of Arizona, "from taking any action to implement or enforce" the recently enacted law that would block AHCCCS-insured patients from receiving preventive health care services at Planned Parenthood health centers.

The order also states "qualified providers of Medicaid services may continue to provide legal abortions without being disqualified from receiving Medicaid reimbursement for necessary medical services covered by Medicaid."

The order was agreed-to by the state's attorneys, and will remain in effect at least until there is a further ruling following a court hearing that is scheduled for October.

Statement from Bryan Howard, President & CEO, Planned Parenthood Arizona

"This case isn't about Planned Parenthood — it's about the women who rely on us for cancer screenings and birth control.  Our top priority is ensuring women in Arizona have access to preventive health care from their trusted provider without interruption.  Planned Parenthood will be here for the women and men who rely on us—no matter what.

"For 78 years, women and families have trusted Planned Parenthood Arizona for high-quality, affordable health care and information.  Our doors are open today and they'll be open tomorrow.  We won't let politics interfere with the health care for which people rely on Planned Parenthood."

BACKGROUND:

Planned Parenthood's legal claim is based on a federal statute that protects Medicaid beneficiaries' freedom to choose the qualified medical provider of their own choosing. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have stated repeatedly that states cannot limit a Medicaid beneficiary's ability to choose a family planning provider based on the scope of services provided. A law virtually identical to HB 2800 has been enjoined by a federal court in Indiana, and similar efforts to defund Planned Parenthood have been blocked by federal courts in Kansas, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.

Each year, Planned Parenthood Arizona provides more than 66,000 patient visits, nearly 3,000 of which are Medicaid patients. Three of these patients are also plaintiffs supporting the case.

Last year, Planned Parenthood Arizona provided more than 9,400 pap tests, over 16,200 tests and treatments for sexually transmitted diseases, more than 33,700 breast exams, 136 HPV immunizations, and more than 85,400 contraceptives.

Planned Parenthood Arizona is being represented in this litigation by attorneys from Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Greenberg Traurig, LLP, and the American Civil Liberties Union.

In the community for 78 years, Planned Parenthood Arizona is the leading sexual health organization in Arizona. The organization provides health care, education and outreach services to more than 90,000 men, women, teens and parents annually. Planned Parenthood Arizona operates health center locations statewide in Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff, Prescott Valley and Yuma. For more information, please visit www.ppaz.org.

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In the community for 78 years, Planned Parenthood Arizona is the leading sexual health organization in Arizona. The organization provides health care, education and outreach services to more than 90,000 men, women, teens and parents annually. Planned Parenthood Arizona operates health center locations statewide in Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff, Prescott Valley and Yuma. For more information, please visit www.ppaz.org.