House passes bill to bar Medicaid contracts with Planned Parenthood; lawmakers warn of lost preventive care

The House on Oct. 22 passed a committee substitute to Senate Bill 3‑78, a measure that would remove Planned Parenthood Federation of America and affiliated entities from the state’s Medicaid provider network and redirect Medicaid patients to other providers.

A proponent described the bill as aligning state Medicaid policy with federal law and said it would discontinue Medicaid contracts with Planned Parenthood. “It disenrolls Planned Parenthood Federation of America and associated entities as Medicaid providers,” a sponsor said, adding the intent is to ensure taxpayer dollars go to providers who offer comprehensive care without what he described as political advocacy.

Opponents on the floor said the change would block thousands of people from accessing family planning, cancer screenings and preventive services. Lawmakers noted that Medicaid already does not pay for elective abortions under long‑standing federal restrictions such as the Hyde policy, but said the bill’s effect on non‑abortion care would be substantial. “This legislation would disenroll thousands of women and families who are already relying on coverage,” one member said, warning of longer wait times, delayed diagnoses and worsened health outcomes in rural and underserved communities.

The chair considered and rejected a point of order and an appeal that argued the bill did not fall under the amended adjournment resolution; the appeal failed to achieve the necessary threshold. The House recorded a second‑reading vote of 61 in favor and 47 opposed; the committee substitute was then read and passed on third reading.

Members who supported the measure said it preserves fiscal responsibility and conforms to federal precedents; opponents urged the House to instead focus on fully funding Medicaid rebase and avoiding reductions in services. The bill was ordered enrolled consistent with House practice.