Overview

• The U.S. Supreme Court is hearing oral arguments today in Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, a case challenging South Carolina's exclusion of Planned Parenthood from its Medicaid program.
• South Carolina argues that Medicaid funds indirectly support abortion services and claims states should have discretion to exclude providers based on ideological grounds.
• Planned Parenthood and a Medicaid patient contend the exclusion violates federal law guaranteeing patients the right to choose any qualified provider for healthcare services.
• A decision in favor of South Carolina could embolden other states to restrict Medicaid funding for providers offering controversial services, including abortion and gender-affirming care.
• The Court's ruling, expected by June 2025, could significantly impact access to healthcare for low-income patients, particularly in medically underserved areas.