As a retired registered nurse of 40 years’ experience, I know how important it is for everyone to have quality health care regardless of income. I was devastated to read that Planned Parenthood of Washington has had to close three health clinics in our state. Washington has one of the worst family planning Medicaid reimbursement rates in our country.
These reimbursement rates are critical for providers to be able to give reproductive health care to Medicaid patients. Our state is failing to ensure equitable access to family planning for all patients, regardless of health insurance or income. More patients are being forced to travel farther for care or are being left with no care at all.
I ask our Legislature to include $5.2 million to help fund family planning Medicaid reimbursement in the final budget. If this is included in our budget our state will receive $10.9 million in matching federal funding. I have been either a client or volunteer with Planned Parenthood since the early ’70s. I know firsthand how vital it is for everyone to get the family planning care they need.
No more patients should be left without reproductive health care and no more Planned Parenthood clinics should have to close due to lack of funds.
