Two Planned Parenthood affiliates have challenged the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) over restrictions on their participation in Medicaid.
Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio and Planned Parenthood of Southwest Ohio Region Administrative hearing requested To challenge a state agency’s decision to bar them from participating in the federal health insurance program.
According to a Friday press release, ODM sent letters to both Planned Parenthood affiliates in late September informing them of the termination. The change will prevent more than 27,000 people across Ohio “from receiving affordable care,” the release said.
“We hope the hearing will make clear that the federal funding prohibition is solely a political attack on Planned Parenthood and provides no basis for ODM to eliminate Planned Parenthood from the program,” Melissa Cohen, general counsel for both Planned Parenthood affiliates, said in the release.
One Big Beautiful Bill Act – a large spending and tax bill signed by President Trump in July – Provisions included That barred Planned Parenthood and other organizations that offer abortions from receiving Medicaid reimbursement for at least the next year.
Planned Parenthood affiliates challenged the bill’s provisions in court. a federal judge ruled in their favor And in July issued a nationwide injunction blocking the Trump administration from cutting Medicaid funding to organizations.
But a federal appeals court rejected this decision In late September, the Trump administration received permission to move forward with its plans.
ODM’s decision to end Planned Parenthood’s participation in Medicaid will likely last more than a year and go beyond the scope of the changes proposed in the bill.
According to press releases from Ohio Planned Parenthood affiliates, both organizations closed health centers in Cleveland, Hamilton and Springfield as a result of federal cuts.
Many Planned Parenthood affiliates across the country have faced cuts in services Or closure of health centers. Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin said this Will stop abortion services Because of Trump’s bill. multiple partners Notice sent to patients in July that Medicaid would no longer be accepted at their locations.
