Summary
Planned Parenthood sued the state of South Carolina after it determined that Planned Parenthood was not qualified to receive taxpayer funding through participation in the state’s Medicaid program. Through its lawsuit, Planned Parenthood is seeking the right to sue states to force them to allow Planned Parenthood to become Medicaid-reimbursed providers. This could result in increased litigation against states that, for any reason, choose not to approve a healthcare provider for participation in the Medicaid program. It would also remove a state’s ability to determine which healthcare providers will best serve the state’s Medicaid population according to its healthcare priorities.
In addition to forcing states to enter into contracts with less-qualified providers, the ability of groups like Planned Parenthood to sue when they are denied qualification as Medicaid providers would be costly to the states and would divert funding and resources away from low-income families and individuals who rely on these services. After the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of Planned Parenthood, South Carolina petitioned the United States Supreme Court to hear the case.
