ST. LOUIS — A new Missouri law taking effect Aug. 28 would officially terminate Missouri's Planned Parenthood affiliates from using Medicaid funding. Patients on Medicaid are on limited income.
Planned Parenthood Great Rivers and Great Plains is now suing the state, aiming to block the law.
5 On Your Side's political analyst Anita Manion said, "This is an ongoing saga of push and pull between the Missouri state legislators and Planned Parenthood."
It's the third time Republican lawmakers have tried to block Medicaid reimbursements going to Planned Parenthood.
"It shows they are trying to do something against an organization they think hurts Missourians," Manion added.
This time around, Gov. Mike Parson signed into law legislation blocking Medicaid funds from going to health centers affiliated with abortion providers, despite abortion services banned in Missouri since 2022.
This is the letter sent to Planned Parenthood at the end of July. It's a notice of Medicaid termination effective Aug. 28.
To appeal the decision, Planned Parenthood had to file a petition with the Administrative Hearing Commission.
Richard Muniz, Planned Parenthood Great Rivers Action interim President and CEO told 5 On Your Side that 20% of their patients are on Medicaid.
"Medicaid (federal) law has been clear that states can't discriminate against providers based on a service they don't like," Muniz added.
Full statement from Muniz:
“Medicaid patients have the freedom to choose their own health care providers, yet the State has singled out Planned Parenthood patients, depriving them of their right to obtain high-quality care from Planned Parenthood. In a state with some of the worst Black maternal mortality rates and STI infection rates, people need more health care access, not less, to ensure deferred care doesn't lead to more serious health conditions. Thanks to the generous support of our donors, Planned Parenthood’s doors remain open so patients can get the affordable, accessible care they rely on as we challenge the State's latest, illegal attempt to exclude us from participating in the Medicaid program. Access to basic, quality health care shouldn’t depend on the approval of politicians or on donations; health care should be free and accessible for everyone.”
Republican State Senator Mary Elizabeth Coleman said in a statement to 5 On Your Side, “Planned Parenthood is a bad actor with a long history of breaking the law at the expense of girls and women, whether it’s trafficking minors across state lines without parental consent for abortion on demand, violating health codes, or putting profits ahead of health care, and this lawsuit is about reversing my common sense legislation to force Missouri taxpayers to pay for their disastrous and dangerous malpractices.”
Manion explained that history shows Planned Parenthood has won before.
"So far, the courts have seemed to say Missouri can't discriminate against a healthcare provider that receives Medicaid funding according to federal law. That would likely be the case again, it's not clear why this would be different in the past," she added.
Muniz explained because of the support from donors, it can keep supporting Medicaid patients at no cost.
"Our top message is our doors are open still, whether you're on Medicaid or not, we’re still here to serve you," Muniz added.
Muniz said litigation can take about two years and this was the first step. The case could make its way to the Missouri Supreme Court again.
Missouri Department of Social Services, which oversees the state's Medicaid program, said it does not comment on pending litigation.