Planned Parenthood of Northern New England continues providing care to patients on Medicaid

(CONCORD, NH) – Yesterday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit blocked more than 1.1 million patients from using their Medicaid insurance at Planned Parenthood health centers nationwide, including more than 8,000 patients seen in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. In doing so, the court sided with the Trump administration and is putting as many as 200 Planned Parenthood health centers at risk of closure.  

The ruling prohibits Planned Parenthood from receiving payments for the services they provide to patients on the Medicaid program. Despite this, Planned Parenthood of Northern New England (PPNNE) continues to see Medicaid patients at their health centers. 

Statement from Nicole Clegg, President/CEO, PPNNE
“The politicians who passed this unconstitutional law knew the confusion and harm it would cause. We refuse to pass that harm on to our patients. PPNNE is an essential part of the state’s health care system, providing birth control, cancer screenings, and STI testing and treatment, and much more. Our Medicaid patients are counting on us, and we can’t let them down. For many, without PPNNE, they won’t have access to basic health care. Congress might be okay with taking away lifesaving care. I expect our state leaders to feel differently. 

The fight is not over — we will continue to push for everyone’s freedom to get high-quality, affordable care at the trusted provider of their choice — including at Planned Parenthood health centers. No matter what, personal medical decisions should be between a patient and their provider.” 

As explained in the lawsuit, the effort to “defund” Planned Parenthood health centers is “a naked attempt to leverage the government’s control over funds to punish Planned Parenthood. It does so not only because of Planned Parenthood Members’ long history of providing legal abortions to patients across the country, but also because of Planned Parenthood’s unique role in advocating for policies to protect and expand access to sexual and reproductive health care, including abortion. This legislative attack is unconstitutional and cannot stand.” 

The defund measure, which is a part of the “Big Beautiful Bill” (BBB), is just one policy aimed at reducing access to health care and increasing costs for health insurance. Defunding Planned Parenthood health centers was the first policy change implemented to take away access to care, as it took effect immediately after signing on July 4.In contrast, most other changes are set to be implemented in the coming years (many after the next election), including expiration of premium tax credits for health insurance marketplace plans (12/31/25), Medicaid work requirements (states required to implement by 12/31/26), and Medicaid funding changes (2028). 

Planned Parenthood health centers are essential providers in Northern New England:

• In the 2024 fiscal year, 27 percent of the 7,100 patients who received care at PPNNE’s health centers in Maine were on Medicaid. PPNNE’s health centers in Maine provided care for these patients for more than 2,800 visits. 
• In the 2024 fiscal year, 20 percent of the nearly 10,000 patients who received care at PPNNE’s health centers in New Hampshire were on the Medicaid program. PPNNE’s health centers in New Hampshire provided care for these patients for more than 2,800 visits. 
• In the 2024 fiscal year, 24 percent of the nearly 16,000 patients who received care at PPNNE’s health centers in Vermont were on the Medicaid program. PPNNE’s health centers in Vermont provided care for these patients for more than 7,400 visits. 
• No other provider can step in and replace Planned Parenthood health centers for the patients who will lose care, according to new Guttmacher Institute research. 
• “Defunding” Planned Parenthood for just one year will cost taxpayers nearly $52 million over 10 years. 

Read more about the case here.