Supreme Court Divided Over Medicaid Funding Planned Parenthood

Justices weigh whether Medicaid patients can sue states for access to specific providers, with a decision expected by June.

The Supreme Court heard oral arguments on South Carolina's 2018 decision to block Planned Parenthood from Medicaid funding due to its abortion services.
The case centers on whether Medicaid patients have the right to sue states to access their preferred qualified healthcare providers under federal law.
Conservative justices raised concerns about potential lawsuits flooding courts, while liberal justices emphasized patient rights to choose providers.
Planned Parenthood argues that excluding them harms low-income patients who rely on their non-abortion services like cancer screenings and contraception.
A ruling, expected by June, could set a precedent affecting Medicaid policy nationwide and the balance of state and federal authority in healthcare funding.