Here are four things to know.
1. Various factors played a role in the planned closures, including the ACA. Under the health law, existing clients who previously paid for their bills out of pocket were eligible for Medicaid, which does not provide as much reimbursement, officials said. The Planned Parenthood affiliate also wants to consolidate services in a new facility in New Mexico, reports The Washington Post. Additionally, political uncertainty regarding funding for Planned Parenthood factored in, Whitney Phillips, a spokesperson for the affiliate, told the publication. She said the aim is to ensure “we can withstand anything that comes our way.”
2. The six clinics affected by the closures are in Casper, Wyo., and in Colorado and New Mexico.
3. Once the clinics close, Planned Parenthood will have no health centers in Wyoming. Ms. Phillips said the 500 patients served by the Wyoming clinic will be able to go to other clinics for care and Planned Parenthood plans to continue to have a political and educational role in Wyoming, the report states.
4. The closures in Colorado, Wyoming and New Mexico come as Iowa will lose four Planned Parenthood clinics due to decreased state funding. Clinics slated for closure are in Burlington, Keokuk, Sioux City and Quad Cities, a region including southeast Iowa.
