Protect Medicaid Patients
For Immediate Release: Jan. 30, 2014
Planned Parenthood Applauds Senate Effort to Delay Harmful Medicaid Requirement; Bill Would Protect Access to Health Care for Low-Income Women and Families
WASHINGTON, DC — Today Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) applauded Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-HI) for his effort to delay implementation of the new Medicaid documentation requirement. The provision requires all new Medicaid applicants and all current Medicaid enrollees to prove their citizenship status with a birth certificate, passport, or other similar document.
"The documentation requirement will be devastating for the low-income patients who rely on Planned Parenthood for vital health care services," said PPFA President Cecile Richards. "We applaud Sen. Akaka and his supporters for stepping up to preserve crucial health care for poor women and families."
According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, roughly 1.7 million U.S.-born adult Medicaid beneficiaries do not have access to these documents, and an estimated 1.4 to 2.9 million children lack a birth certificate and passport.
"This provision is deeply flawed and unfair," Richards added. "Without this paperwork, millions of Americans who would otherwise be eligible for Medicaid could be denied coverage. Sen. Akaka's bill would put the breaks on this harmful provision."