ICYMI: White House: Gov. Abbott’s Planned Parenthood Medicaid “Defund” is Not Permitted

Today, White House Press Secretary, Jen Psaki addressed Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s looming “defund” that will leave 8,000 Medicaid patients without access to Planned Parenthood health centers. The Biden administration affirmed what we’ve long known: barring Medicaid patients from choosing Planned Parenthood for health care services violates the free choice of provider Medicaid law.

Watch the full response from WH Press Secretary Jen Psaki here.

Transcript:

Question: “Texas is expected to cut Planned Parenthood out of its Medicaid program imminently after a federal appeals court ruled it could do so. Does the Biden administration plan to step in and take action as was done under the Obama administration to prevent states from cutting Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers from Medicaid programs?”

Psaki: "Well the president's views are clear and consistent on this issue. Just last week in an executive order he reissued guidance specifying that states cannot refuse Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood and other providers. HHS would certainly have more specific details but they have stated they are committed to protecting and strengthening the Medicaid program as is the President consistent with the Executive Order we released last week."