Planned Parenthood Great Plains on Missouri “Defunding” its Health Centers from Medicaid Program, Blocking Access to Life-Saving Care
For Immediate Release: Feb. 24, 2022
Hours after passing the state legislature, Governor Mike Parson signed a supplemental budget bill that included language to “defund” Planned Parenthood from participating in Missouri’s Medicaid program, which encompasses Planned Parenthood Great Plains (PPGP) health centers in Columbia, Kansas City, Independence, and Gladstone.
Despite Planned Parenthood’s history of providing high-quality, life-saving care to patients who rely on Medicaid, lawmakers targeted the organization in a move that violates federal laws intended to ensure Medicaid patients can access the participating provider of their choice.
The move comes after a 2020 ruling of the Missouri Supreme Court, which found a similar attempt by the legislature to block Planned Parenthood from Medicaid as unconstitutional.
Statement from Emily Wales, Interim CEO and President, Planned Parenthood Great Plains:
“It’s astounding that despite Missourians’ clear message to the legislature to increase Medicaid access across our state, politicians remain focused on creating barriers to care. By attempting to remove Planned Parenthood as a provider in an already strained public health system, lawmakers will only make it harder for their constituents to access care including cervical cancer screenings, mammograms, gender-affirming care, STI testing, and contraceptives. Planned Parenthood Great Plains has been a proud provider for all patients who need high-quality, compassionate health care, and will continue to seek ways to expand care and meet patients where they are – no matter their financial resources.”
Statement from Alexis McGill Johnson, President and CEO, Planned Parenthood Federation of America:
“Once again, Gov. Mike Parson and Missouri politicians are threatening the health of the thousands of Missourians who rely on Planned Parenthood for essential sexual and reproductive health care. We’ve fought this fight before, and we are determined to ensure that Missourians are able to access the health care they need from the health care provider they choose, not who Missouri politicians choose. Planned Parenthood will explore all of our options to ensure that our affiliates in Missouri can continue serving their community.”