GOP Bill Would Dictate Medical Emergencies for Medicaid Abortions
There were no proponents of the bill and 11 opponents. Opponents said the bill would not only infringe on Montanans’ right to privacy, but place people with time-sensitive medical emergencies related to their pregnancy in danger. Aileen Gleizer represented Blue Mountain Clinic, a family practice in Missoula that offers abortions.
“HB 544 allows reimbursement to physicians only, eliminating low-income Montanans’ ability to access abortion care from essential and trusted advanced nurse practitioners and physician’s assistants. It requires prior authorization and physical exams that delay care, increase costs, and suspend telehealth for Medicaid recipients across the state. Approximately one third of Blue Mountain Clinic abortion patients receive healthcare coverage through Montana Medicaid. HB 544 harms these patients. It harms their health and it harms their family,” Gleizer said.