Planned Parenthood worries about Medicaid cuts
LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) –Planned parenthood clinics around the country are continuing to be reimbursed for Medicaid. A federal judge made the ruling this week.
President Donald Trump’s new tax bill originally called for Medicaid payments to be cut to Planned Parenthood members.
According to President Trump’s tax bill, federal government is instructed to end Medicaid payments for one year to abortion providers that received more than 800 thousand dollars from Medicaid in 2023.
“There has been of course, a lot of outrage over the politicized targeted cuts to Medicaid,” said Tamarra Wieder with Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates. “Not only for planned parenthood, but across the state. I mean Kentucky is one of the hardest hit.”
That would include places like Planned Parenthood, which also offers other medical services.
In Kentucky, the organization does not offer abortions since they are banned in the state.
“The entirety of our care in Kentucky is the birth control care,” said Wieder. “It is the STI care, it is testicular cancer screenings, it is breast examinations. It is making sure that you have healthcare.”
According to Wieder, the organization also screens for things like diabetes and acts as a general practitioner for those who cannot afford one.
While some fought the passing of the bill, like Kentucky Republican Congressman Thomas Massie, others pushed for the bill’s passing.
“It saves, it sustains Medicaid and it’s there for those who truly need it,” said Georgia Republican Congressman Andy Carter.
Wieder says one in three patients are on Medicaid.
She adds if the cuts are allowed— there is concern that some won’t receive the proper healthcare they need.
“Cervical cancer is one of the highest in the country in Kentucky, because people don’t have access to the preventable screening in their communities,” said Wieder.
She adds Planned Parenthood will have to bill patients for procedures, but they are looking at all options before doing that.
