Missouri – On Wednesday, April 24, 2024, The Missouri Legislature passed a bill that would prevent any Medicaid funding for abortion providers.
Abortions are already illegal in Missouri, except for serious medical emergencies, and the state’s Medicaid program does not reimburse for those abortions.
HB 2634, sponsored by State Representative Cody Smith, would make it illegal for public funds, including Medicaid reimbursements, to support or aid abortion facilities or their affiliates, meaning any supporters or contacts, while also granting taxpayers and the Attorney General the right to take legal action to enforce these provisions.
The bill also amends an existing rule, requiring MO HealthNet participants to obtain services only from qualified providers and empowering the Department of Social Services to revoke contracts with providers found unqualified due to specific offenses.
The bill would also prohibit reimbursement to any abortion facilities under the “Uninsured Women’s Health Program”.
This bill is now heading to Parson to get official approval. If the governor signs this bill, the Missouri Legislature is expecting the bill to head to the Missouri Supreme Court, which has already rejected multiple bills of the same nature.
To read the entire bill click here.
