Planned Parenthood is under investigation for the second time this year. First, there was the congressional investigation and Susan G. Komen grant controversy.
Now, only six months later, Planned Parenthood is being sued for alleged misuse of funds. This time the funds are from Medicaid, which is paid for with tax dollars. A former employee of Planned Parenthood, Susan Thayer, has “blown the whistle.” She claims that during her employment with Planned Parenthood they received and retained nearly $28,000,000 in false claims with Medicaid. This is proof that Planned Parenthood is not concerned with women’s health, but instead only with money.
Allegations of Medicaid Fraud
One misuse is in their distribution of birth control pills. Under Iowa law, to be prescribed birth control pills, the woman must first be examined by a doctor or other healthcare practitioner. There were complaints from doctors in the community that Planned Parenthood was over-prescribing birth control pills without a doctor’s oversight.
According to the suit, Planned Parenthood was allowing clients to be seen by unqualified staff members for the initial examination and then, sometimes days later, a healthcare practitioner would write the prescription for birth control without having seen the patient.
The suit alleges Planned Parenthood would then buy a 28-day supply of birth control for $2.98, but be reimbursed by Medicaid for $26.32. In addition, Thayer claims that more than 50% of women do not renew their initial 3-month prescription, yet Planned Parenthood would mail these women an additional year-supply without a follow-up examination.
This is just one example of how Planned Parenthood is allegedly using taxpayer money fraudulently for their own net gains with no regard for the wellbeing of women—especially young girls. As taxpayers, we need to be aware that the government is channeling money to groups who have insufficient accountability.
How long will we allow groups like Planned Parenthood to deceive and mistreat the women of our nation and treat the law and human dignity with utter disregard? It is time to put a stop to this kind of fraudulent and immoral activity.
