(iStock / Getty Images) We are a diverse group of medical providers across the state of Alaska. Some of us are new to the state, some of us were raised here, and some have served the health care needs of Alaskans for our entire careers. All of us recognize the importance of Medicaid coverage to Alaskans, and we will all see access to necessary healthcare eliminated if this bill passes as written. We oppose HR 1 and its direct attack against Planned Parenthood and the critical services this agency provides for our patients.
The House reconciliation bill, or the “One, Big Beautiful Bill Act”, which was passed by the House on May 22, proposes to cut Medicaid funding broadly and dramatically. Among the most concerning provisions is that Medicaid would no longer cover ANY services provided by Planned Parenthood. This provision is a calculated maneuver to remove a targeted health care provider at the expense of individual Alaskans’ health and the healthcare system at large.
If the provisions of this bill become law, and Planned Parenthood’s last two clinics in Alaska shut their doors, other safety-net clinics in the state will have to increase their services to meet the needs of those left without healthcare access. Community health clinics, Tribal Health providers, and Federally Qualified Health Centers are already straining to provide high-quality, evidence-based services and will also be severely impacted by the proposed cuts to Medicaid coverage. Alaskans who lose Medicaid coverage will still need medical services, and clinics and hospitals with already limited budgets will be tasked with providing essential care without Medicaid reimbursement. Many safety-net clinics and gynecology offices will not be able to absorb the increased demand for the reproductive and sexual health services provided by Planned Parenthood, and many Alaskans will go without the care they need.
The immense cost to the healthcare system to train medical providers, purchase equipment, expand existing clinics, and hire new staff will take years to accomplish for dedicated groups, but in reality, is not feasible for most Alaskan providers. For example, many or most clinics that provide contraceptive or STI services for those on Medicaid do not currently and cannot afford to provide more than one type of IUD, HPV vaccines, or arm implants due to the enormous cost and low reimbursement rates. It is because Planned Parenthood is a multi-state, expert reproductive health organization that they are able to provide such comprehensive services to low-income Alaskans.
Federal dollars already cannot be used for abortion services, and in an attempt to undermine access to abortion, politicians are eliminating access to comprehensive contraceptive services, prenatal and postpartum care, STI diagnosis and treatment, and breast and cervical cancer screenings. In Alaska, we have already seen the gaps in care after losing two of our four Planned Parenthood health centers. Even years later, there are Alaskans who are just getting the services that they relied on previously.
We are concerned that the existing healthcare system in Alaska will not be able to expand contraceptive services by the estimated 115% needed or provide the 183% increase in STI services. In a state that already has among the highest rates in the country of STIs, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, cutting access further will only worsen health outcomes. Maternal health outcomes are also likely to suffer, including access to pregnancy testing and syphilis testing. Alaska’s disproportionate rates of congenital syphilis and maternal mortality amongst Alaska Native parents will only worsen with a loss of diversity or “first contact” reproductive health care options.
As providers of healthcare, both reproductive and otherwise, we urge the people of Alaska and those who we have elected to represent us to vote against nonsensical measures like HR1. We need quality, accessible, and affordable healthcare for ourselves and our communities.
Dr. Robin Holmes, MD; Sarah Spencer, DO; Dr. Megan Young; Josey Piper, nurse-midwife; Dr. David Silbergeld; Dr. Mackenzie Rapp; Sonja Martin Young, APRN, CNM; Timothy Lemaire, DO, MPH; Sarah Stevens, MPH, IBCLC; Mark C Stevens; Dr. Charlene Apok; Josie Heyano, LCSW; Dr. Stephen Odegard; Kristen Sublett, CNM; Peter Mjos, MD; Kathryn Ault, APRN, FACNM; Haley Gomez, WHNP; Winifred G Koehler; Mary Hopkins, RN; Jean Salch; Dr. Jessica Goldberger; Dr. Allison van Haastert; Dr. Meagan Byrne; Dr. Gail Norton; C Franzel, MD; Dr. Gina Parlato Pender; Micheala Cole, RN; Caitlin Smiley, BSN, RN; Billie C; Kristen Englund, BSN; Ruby Shumway, RN; Noranna Dixon, occupational therapist; Colour Linden, RN; Dr. Emily A Kane; Cecily Stepp, RN, BSN; Amanda Marlett, RN; Sharon Fisher, MD; Bree McConnell, RN; Annie McCormick, BSN; Tami Todd, RN; Greer Gehler, RN, SRNA; Harold Johnston, MD; Elizabeth Steimel-Langley, certified nurse midwife; Dr. Royal Kiehl; Molly Southworth, MD, MPH, MACP; Dr. Robert Bundtzen; David Sonneborn, MD; Dr. Tracey Wiese, APRN; Dr. Tessa Hovenden, DO; Angela Clark, FNP; George Stransky, MD; Ron Feigin, MD; Phyllis S. Kiehl, MD; Casey Gokey, MD; Hollie Escobar, RN; Erin Tilly, licensed massage therapist; Dr. Mary Stewart; Dr. David Penn; Laurie Montano, MD; Dr. Rachel Samuelson; Dr. Ai-Ling Lin; Barbara Piromalli, DO; Tina Tomsen, MD (retired OBG); Tamara Deschaine, RDN, LD, CDCES; Benjamin J. Turman, PA-C; Deana Glick, MPH, PA-C; Leslie Bryant, MD; Amy Seifert, RN; Elizabeth Pietralczyk, MD, MPH, FAAFP, FASAM; Dr. Rachael Carricaburu.
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