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Planned Parenthood clinics in Missouri no longer perform abortions; their affiliates in Illinois and Kansas do. Despite a new law restricting Medicaid reimbursements, the Missouri clinics continue to provide services such as contraceptive care, STI testing, cancer screenings and wellness checks.
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A lawsuit appears likely over the measure, which goes into effect later this year. Missouri Republicans had tried for years to stop any funds from going to abortion providers or their affiliates.
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The new law will go into effect Aug. 28. Planned Parenthood, Democratic lawmakers and health organizations say the ban will cause the most harm to low-income Missourians who rely on the clinics for contraceptives, STI testing, cancer screenings and more.
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For nearly 30 hours, the conservative faction has blocked a vote on Medicaid funding, demanding that the Missouri Senate passes an unrelated resolution making it harder to amend the constitution. The Federal Reimbursement Allowance accounts for roughly a third of the funding for the state Medicaid system.
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The Republican legislation comes after several unsuccessful attempts to stop public funds from going to abortion providers or affiliates through the budget process. The bill now goes to Gov. Mike Parson.
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Missouri Democrats filibustered for more than 11 hours to try and block the bill, which they say will hurt low-income and disabled patients. The legislation would make it financially difficult for Planned Parenthood clinics in the state — which do not provide abortions — to provide health services for Medicaid recipients.
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A Republican-backed bill would block Medicaid payments to Planned Parenthood. Health care providers fear it will harm patients’ access to critical care.
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Missouri's 2024 legislative session is back after spring break. The annual state budget and a tax that funds the bulk of Missouri’s Medicaid program are two things that must pass this session. Plus: Some Kansas lawmakers say improving their compensation is key to recruiting young and working class people to run for office.
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The annual state budget and a tax that funds the bulk of Missouri’s Medicaid program are two things that must pass this session. And before the break, senators passed a major education bill that included priorities for both Republicans and Democrats.
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The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services requires that Medicaid applications for the largest group of participants — who are low-income children, families and adults — be processed within 45 days. In February, Missouri took an average of 77 days to process applications.
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Doulas and birth centers are considered part of the solution to Missouri’s "unacceptable" maternal mortality crisis. But current law makes it difficult to help mothers most in need, because many doulas aren't eligible for Medicaid reimbursements.
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When Missouri legislators return from their spring break, they'll need to tackle the fiscal 2025 budget and the Federal Reimbursement Allowance, which helps fund most of Medicaid.