WA to fund Medicaid gap for Planned Parenthood after ‘big, beautiful bill’ passage

Washington will “cover the gap” in funding caused by the federal government’s decision to defund Planned Parenthood, Governor Bob Ferguson announced Wednesday.

The signing of the “big, beautiful bill” by President Donald Trump on July 4 included a one-year moratorium on funding for Medicaid, which went into effect immediately upon signing.

Ferguson plans to fill the Planned Parenthood funding losses

Medicaid is one of the primary sources of funding for Planned Parenthood, covering services including preventive care and cancer screenings. Additionally, Medicaid funds can not be used to pay for abortion services.

“This is a blatantly political, cruel attack on reproductive rights — a common theme within the Trump Administration,” Ferguson said.

Planned Parenthood receives at least $22 million per year in Washington for Medicaid funding, including at least $11 million of the funds coming from the federal government.

Planned Parenthood is currently in court challenging the federal government’s decision to cut its funding, and Ferguson stated he will make state funding available if the litigation is not successful, and ensure Washingtonians will continue to have access to care.

“The real victims are Washingtonians who will lose their health care provider. I will not allow that to happen,” Ferguson said. “While we have a very challenging budget in Washington, and cannot backfill every cut in this Big Betrayal Bill, we must step into this temporary gap to ensure women continue to have access to critical health care.”

In a tie-breaking vote from Vice President JD Vance, the passing of the “big, beautiful bill” includes $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts over the next 10 years, and at least $3 billion in cuts to Washington per year.

“In Washington, these cuts will cause at least 250,000 Washingtonians to lose Medicaid coverage and as many as 150,000 Washingtonians to be priced out of the state’s health care exchange,” the release stated. “Approximately a quarter of Washingtonians are on Medicaid. In 26 of Washington’s 39 counties, more than half of all children are covered by Medicaid.”

Statements on the ‘big, beautiful bill’ from Washington Republicans

Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) voted in favor of the “big, beautiful bill,” and claimed the new act works toward revitalizing the U.S. economy.

“This bill isn’t a silver bullet. But it’s a bold, serious step toward getting our economy back on track and restoring real accountability in Washington, D.C.,” Baumgartner wrote in a statement. “It’s a win for every American who wants safer streets, stronger communities, and a government that finally puts them first.”

Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) claimed that the bill is “by no means perfect,” but benefits farmers, families, and small business owners across central Washington.

“[The bill] makes the largest-ever investment in border security and makes our nation safer by strengthening our military. I was able to secure continued investment in our current and future nuclear energy fleet, which is vital to the Tri-Cities and the surrounding region,” Newhouse said.

Newhouse continued to note his thorough inspection of the bill and his thought process leading up to his vote to pass the bill.

“I have heard from my constituents about the legislation’s benefits and downsides, and I have truly given serious thought to the legislation,” Newhouse said. “This was a hard, thoroughly considered vote that I believe will benefit the people of my district.”

Washington Democrats’ reactions to the ‘big, beautiful bill’

U.S. Senator Patty Murray, D-WA, Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, wrote in a statement that the bill “is the largest transfer of wealth from people who have the least, to the people who have the most, in our nation’s history. This bill is un-American and flat-out wrong.”

Additionally, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland, WA-10, provided her thoughts on the bill, stating that, “It is clear now, more than ever before, that Trump and these spineless House Republicans do not care for the American people. They only care about themselves.”

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