WASHINGTON— The U.S. Supreme Court issued a landmark6–3 decisioninMedina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, affirming that Medicaid patientsdo not have a private right of actionunder §1983 to force a state to include any specific provider—such as Planned Parenthood—in its Medicaid program.
This ruling empowers states to determine which providers qualify for Medicaid funding without being compelled by private lawsuits.
“This is a victory for South Carolina, for state sovereignty, and for taxpayers.By affirming the states’ authority to choose qualified healthcare providers, the Court protects communities and ensures Medicaid dollars aren’t forced to subsidize abortion-affiliated entities,” said Congressman Norman who spearheaded a bicameral amicus curiae brief on February 10 in support of South Carolina’s stance.
Earlier this year, I was proud to lead a bicameral amicus brief in this case. Joined by nearly 100 Members of Congress, we emphasized that Medicaid dollars should not subsidize abortion providers and that states are best equipped to understand the needs of their communities.
Under federal law and guidance, states administer Medicaid plans, including deciding which medical providers qualify to receive payments for certain services. The Supreme Court emphasized that Medicaiddoes not grantpatients a judicial mechanism under §1983 to compel a state to cover a specific provider.
The decision reverses rulings at the district and appellate levels, reasserting state rights in Medicaid administration. While Planned Parenthood remains eligible for federally funded non‑abortion services, states retain discretion to opt-out of including abortion-affiliated clinics in their Medicaid networks.
“Private parties like Planned Parenthood have no right to undermine congressional intent by forcing states to say that Planned Parenthood is a qualified Medicaid provider,” said Congressman Normanon Thursday.
