Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D) announced Thursday that there would be an increase in Medicaid reimbursement for abortion services and Title X funds for reproductive health.
The increase in funding is because of the increase demand for services since Roe v. Wade was overturned Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Center.
“Illinois abortion providers have been working overtime since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade,” Pritzker said in a statement. “They need support as they take on this new burden on the frontlines of this fight. Supporting them with reimbursement increases allows them to focus on their important work without worrying about rising costs of supplies and services.”
He also eliminated a requirement for providers to receive a Medicare denial before requesting Medicaid payment, expanding provider options for patients receiving both Medicare and Medicaid. Illinois is one of only 16 states that cover abortion and reproductive services under Medicaid.
The rate increase goes into effect Sept. 1 and allows abortion providers to recoup more costs and enable providers and clinics to provide more care without financial strain. The 20% increase in reimbursement will cost around $3 million annually. The elimination of the Medicare denial requirement will allow Medicare and Medicaid recipients to access services quicker.
“As women’s reproductive rights are being decimated across this nation, this additional Title X Family Planning Program funding is critical in providing voluntary comprehensive family planning services to low-income individuals of reproductive age,” said State Sen. Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake). “While we are devastated each time we turn on the news and see yet another state taking away the reproductive rights of women, Illinois continues to be clear that we uphold choice and access to reproductive health care.”
Illinois is surrounded by states that have already banned abortion or are considering bans. Planned Parenthood of Illinois has said they expect an additional 10-30,000 out-of-state patients post-Roe.
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