Governor Ferguson Washington will cover gap caused by federal attempt to defund of Planned Parenthood

President Trump signed the “Big Beautiful Bill,” imposing a one-year ban on Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood, a crucial healthcare provider. In response, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson announced the state would allocate funds to cover this loss, ensuring residents maintain access to essential services. Planned Parenthood, which secures at least $22 million from Medicaid annually, is actively challenging the federal funding cut in court. Ferguson condemned the cuts as a political maneuver against reproductive rights, emphasizing the negative impact on Washingtonians who rely on these services. The bill also features unprecedented Medicaid cuts, totaling $1 trillion over the next decade, with Washington expected to lose at least $3 billion annually.

As a result, around 250,000 residents may lose Medicaid coverage, with many more facing increased costs in the health exchange. Additionally, the bill reduces SNAP benefits for approximately 1 million Washingtonians, with over 130,000 potentially losing their benefits altogether. The cuts will disproportionately affect rural areas, particularly in Central and Eastern Washington, where many residents depend on these programs for their healthcare needs.