Bill to Restore Access to Planned Parenthood Services for Medicaid Patients Passes Committee

SB25B-002 protects Coloradans from federal attacks on Planned Parenthood and restores access to health care for over 10,000 Medicaid recipients

DENVER, CO – The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed a bill to authorize state funding for Planned Parenthood and other reproductive health care providers that were removed from the federal Medicaid program by the federal budget passed by Congressional Republicans.

“All Coloradans, whether or not they are a Medicaid recipient, deserve access to reproductive health care,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “The federal GOP budget bill targeted Planned Parenthood, threatening access to low-cost family planning and preventive care for all Coloradans in all corners of our state. This bill is an effort to fight back against the largest cut to Medicaid in the history of our country and protect thousands of Coloradans from losing this essential health care coverage and access to the provider of their choice. Health care shouldn't be political.”

“Despite Coloradans’ overwhelming support of reproductive freedom, Congressional Republicans continue to attack access to life-saving health care,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn. “When Trump’s budget was signed into law, it forced Planned Parenthood to immediately cancel every appointment for Medicaid recipients. While corporations enjoy their new tax breaks, Coloradans on Medicaid risk losing access to STI testing, cancer screenings and abortion care. I’m proud to stand up for Coloradans with this legislation that will restore access to life-saving care.”

SB25B-002 would allow the use of state funds to reimburse organizations like Planned Parenthood, which were barred from federal Medicaid funding by Congressional Republicans’ tax bill, for services like cancer screenings, birth control consultations, and STI testing. In the event that federal action renders these entities eligible for reimbursements again, the bill would no longer be in effect.

H.R.1 immediately removed Planned Parenthood from the federal Medicaid program, forcing Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains providers to cancel thousands of appointments. Weeks later, a Temporary Restraining Order reversed this federal prohibition, though the issue is still working its way through the courts.

SB25B-002 passed by a vote of 9-4.