On Tuesday, Planned Parenthood made a strong presence on Capitol Hill. Staff and supporters worked to counter Republican attempts to continue withdrawing federal funds from the organization.
A legislation from last year, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, prohibited Planned Parenthood’s health centers from billing Medicaid for essential services such as contraception and cancer screenings. Medicaid serves as their primary funding source, and due to this law, they lost over $700 million annually. The expiration of this provision on July 4 will allow Planned Parenthood to reclaim hundreds of millions in Medicaid funds that are crucial for their operation. However, anti-abortion groups are lobbying Republicans to extend the provision.
More than 250 Planned Parenthood supporters, including patient storytellers, participated in a lobbying day on Capitol Hill organized by the Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) and regional affiliates. Jess Clem, a patient advocate from Minnesota, highlighted the importance of utilizing patient stories during her talks with lawmakers on Tuesday. This lobbying effort coincided with the House Appropriations Committee’s review of the FY 2027 HHS funding bill, which contains a provision aimed at “defunding” Planned Parenthood.
House Republicans expressed their desire to leverage the reconciliation process to permanently “defund” Planned Parenthood, potentially blocking Medicaid recipients from utilizing their insurance at Planned Parenthood health centers. According to Nora Walsh-DeVries, vice president of political and legislative affairs at PPFA, these actions are both unpopular and detrimental to public health and safety. She emphasized the need to remain vigilant as the possibility of reconciliation or actions from a lame duck Congress could pressure Planned Parenthood further.
Walsh-DeVries also mentioned their proactive approach, working alongside Democrats to strategize on safeguarding reproductive health when the party reclaims congressional control. She spoke about the importance of legislative measures and securing Medicaid access in a manner that cannot be easily dismantled.
Welcome to The Hill’s Health Care newsletter, where you can find up-to-date information on how Washington’s decisions impact your health.
Essential Reads
The Biden administration initiated a study with international researchers on drinking impact in 2022. Despite the completion of the study, it faced publishing delays due to industry influences during the Trump administration. This report was released on Tuesday.
The annual Social Security report from the Trump administration prompted AARP officials to urge action on protecting Social Security and Medicare benefits, expected to remain fully funded until late 2032.
Late Monday, Vice President Vance announced his intention to refer Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison to the DOJ for a criminal fraud investigation based on findings from a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee report detailing widespread fraud and governmental mishaps.
In Other News
The FDA approved a new sunscreen ingredient, bemotrizinol, for the first time in over 20 years. This ingredient provides protection against ultraviolet rays, with minimal skin absorption.
Around the Nation
Local and state health care news covers Utah’s measles outbreak struggles, rural Virginia hospitals’ closure risks, and Colorado’s legislative inspections of immigrant detention facilities.
What We’re Reading
Highlights of other health news include the Diabetes Association’s uproar over protest-related expulsions, Trump’s pre-emptive blame strategy for World Cup Ebola, and insurer denials of special care for eating disorders.
You’re all caught up. See you tomorrow!
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