Texas May Become Litmus Test For Banning Medicaid Funds For Planned Parenthood
After refusing federal Medicaid money so that it could ban Planned Parenthood from its family planning program, Texas is asking for the money back. If it's granted, it could be a green light for other states to do the same.
The New York Times:
Texas Seeks Medicaid Money It Gave Up Over Planned Parenthood Ban
Four years after Texas gave up millions of dollars in federal Medicaid funds so it could ban Planned Parenthood from participating in a family planning program for low-income women, the state is asking the Trump administration for the money back. The request presents an important early test for the administration of President Trump, who recently appointed an anti-abortion official to oversee federal family planning programs. Under President Obama, federal health officials would not allow Medicaid funds to flow to the Texas program after it excluded Planned Parenthood, because federal law requires states to give Medicaid beneficiaries their choice of “any willing provider.” (Goodnough, 5/15)
The Associated Press:
Texas Tests Trump Administration Over Abortion Providers
The stakes potentially extend far beyond Texas. Abortion-rights groups worry that if Texas succeeds, other conservative states will also cut off Planned Parenthood and put clinics in jeopardy. "There is a new administration, and we're looking at what opportunities may exist for us," said Carrie Williams, a spokeswoman for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. (Weber, 5/15)
