NARAL Pro-Choice Maryland Applauds Governor O’Malley for Urging Inclusion of Medicaid Family Planning State Option in Health Care Reform
NARAL Pro-Choice Maryland today applauded Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley (D) for joining a letter to congressional leaders urging support of the Medicaid Family Planning State Option in health care reform. This critical provision would provide basic preventative care, including screening for breast and cervical cancers, as well as contraception, benefiting thousands of women in Maryland. “We are very happy to see Governor O’Malley expressing support for this important program. Access to family planning is central to improving the overall health of women and their families,” stated Jennifer Blasdell, Executive Director of NARAL Pro-Choice Maryland. “We hope that Congress will follow the recommendations of Governor O’Malley and his fellow governors.”
Governor Ted Strickland (D-Ohio) championed the letter. In addition to Governor O’Malley, Governors Jon Corzine (D-NJ), Chet Culver (D-Iowa), John de Jongh (D-Virgin Islands), Jim Doyle (D-WI), Jennifer Granholm (D-MI), Christine Gregoire (D-WA), Timothy Kaine (D-VA), Theodore Kulongoski (D-OR), Jack Markell (D-DE), David Paterson (D-NY), Beverly Perdue (NC), Pat Quinn (D-IL), Bill Richardson (D-NM) and Bill Ritter, Jr. (D-CO) also signed the letter.
Currently, 27 states, including Maryland, have sought and received federal waivers to expand eligibility for family planning services. States have repeatedly demonstrated that expanding health care coverage for women in this way also results insignificant cost savings. The Medicaid Family Planning State Option would allow states to expand Medicaid coverage for family planning services to those who don’t otherwise qualify for full Medicaid benefits without obtaining a waiver.
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