Missouri Planned Parenthood Affiliates File Suit Against State of Missouri for Termination from Medicaid Program

Missouri’s two Planned Parenthood affiliates are filing complaints in the Missouri Administrative Hearing Commission against the State of Missouri after being notified of their termination from the Missouri Medicaid Program (MO HealthNet). Planned Parenthood will continue to accept patients at health centers across Missouri as it holds the state accountable for its latest attempt to strip patients of their access to birth control, cancer screenings, STI testing and treatment, annual exams, and other essential sexual and reproductive health services. 

Despite an already overburdened health care safety net for Missouri Medicaid patients, lawmakers prioritized the legislative “defunding” of Planned Parenthood this last session, harming Missourians with low incomes and forcing them to search for other providers. Nearly 1 in 5 Planned Parenthood patients in Missouri are insured through Medicaid. Despite the state’s continued attempts to restrict patients’ choice of sexual and reproductive health care, Planned Parenthood health centers have continued to accept Medicaid patients and absorb the costs of care to ensure patients can access the care they want and need.

Statement from Richard Muniz, interim president & CEO, Planned Parenthood Great Rivers

“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.”

Statement from Emily Wales, President & CEO, Planned Parenthood Great Plains

“Missouri voters have spoken: they want more healthcare choices. Missouri courts have spoken: the State must follow the law. And yet Missouri’s politicians act like they haven’t heard a thing. While nearly every state health indicator woefully trails national standards, the legislature has focused on election year stunts with complete disregard for real Missourians. Planned Parenthood won’t stop fighting for and serving patients, and the legislature would do well to take note.”

Statement from Michelle Trupiano, Executive Director, Missouri Family Health Council

“The impact of “defunding” efforts will only further destabilize Missouri’s fragile safety net by straining providers, extending wait times, and unnecessarily creating additional barriers for people accessing basic healthcare services. In 2023, Missouri’s Planned Parenthood affiliates served 41% of the 11,878 (32%) family planning patients that rely on Medicaid in the Missouri Family Health Council's family planning network. Those patients and their families have the right to continue seeing the provider of their choice without interference from lawmakers.”