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November 23, 2015      5:44 PM

Planned Parenthood sues over abrupt end to Texas Medicaid contract

The organization argues that the state’s recent action violates Medicaid’s “freedom of choice” provision.

Planned Parenthood sued Texas on Monday, claiming its Medicaid contracts with the Health and Human Services Commission were terminated in late October over a variety of false and groundless claims.

Planned Parenthood calls itself a “provider of choice” for low-income women in Texas who would have limited, or no, choices for women’s health care. The health care provider has filed similar challenges in Louisiana, Arkansas, Alabama and Utah, with favorable rulings in the Seventh and Ninth Circuit Courts of Appeal.

The Health and Human Services Commission canceled Planned Parenthood’s contracts in late October. It follows systematic efforts by the state to redirect funds typically sent to Planned Parenthood to other health care providers. In its class action complaint, Planned Parenthood claims such action has denied health care access to 13,500 patients formerly served by 17 Planned Parenthood health centers.

By Kimberly Reeves