Ruling Limits Legal Recourse for Medicaid Enrollees
Washington, DC – The U.S. Supreme Court today issued a troubling decision in Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, ruling that Medicaid enrollees do not have the right to enforce the Medicaid Act’s “free choice of provider” provision under Section 1983. The decision weakens the legal protections that allow low-income individuals to challenge harmful state policies that cut off access to care.
By denying Medicaid enrollees the ability to enforce their right to choose among qualified providers, the Court has effectively closed the courthouse doors to those seeking to protect their access to care
“By denying Medicaid enrollees the ability to enforce their right to choose among qualified providers, the Court has effectively closed the courthouse doors to those seeking to protect their access to care,” said Jane Perkins, NHeLP Litigation Director. “This decision disproportionately impacts low-income individuals who rely on Medicaid for essential health services.”
“This ruling threatens the health and well-being of underserved communities,” added Elizabeth G. Taylor, NHeLP Executive Director. “By allowing states to restrict access to providers without judicial oversight, and then denying the ability of beneficiaries to seek redress, the Court has placed political considerations above the health needs of individuals.”
“Limiting access to trusted providers like Planned Parenthood jeopardizes the availability of critical sexual and reproductive health services,” said Christina Piecora, Senior Policy Analyst at NHeLP. “This decision will have far-reaching consequences for millions who depend on Medicaid for comprehensive care, and exacerbate deep inequalities already present in access to care.”
NHeLP will continue to advocate for policies that safeguard access to care and enforce the legal rights of Medicaid beneficiaries through legislative, administrative, and legal avenues.
