10 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JULY 31-AUGUST 6, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com The moment President Donald Trump signed his One Big Beautiful Bill on July 4, it triggered an immediate cascading effect for Planned Parenthood clinics across the country. Within the bill was wording that prohibited Medicaid reimbursements for large nonprofit health clinics that provide abortions, despite the fact that federal law already prohibits using Medicaid funds for abortions. Planned Parenthood Mar Monte was forced to stop filing Medicaid claims, known as Medi-Cal in California, but they continued to care for patients. The result was a loss of $1.7 million in the first week while caring for roughly 5,000 patients across PPMM’s 35 clinics in mid-California and Nevada, according to Andrew Adams, chief of staff and head of strategic communications. With 80 percent of its patients on Medi-Cal, PPMM leaders estimated they would lose $8.5 million for the month of July and as much as $100 million by the end of the year. “Obviously that’s not a sustainable business model,” Adams says. They held out hope for a lawsuit filed by Planned Parenthood Federation of America against the Trump Administration, arguing the law violates multiple constitutional amendments. On July 21, U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani in Boston issued a preliminary order that stated while PPF’s arguments show a likelihood of success, only 10 of Planned Parenthood’s 49 affiliates could file for Medicaid reimbursement while the case proceeds. “It was at that point we made that determination that in order to keep as many doors open as possible for our patients, we were forced by the Trump Administration to close [five] clinics in order to remain sustainable,” Adams says. PPMM laid off 62 employees, mostly medical providers, from those clinics (in South San Francisco, San Mateo, Gilroy, Santa Cruz and Madera) when they closed on Friday, July 25. In anticipation of the closures, the organization had already laid off 58 administrative staff and educators. Monterey County’s two clinics in Seaside and Salinas remain open. On Monday, July 28, Talwani issued a new order that indefinitely blocked the Trump administration from preventing all Planned Parenthood clinics from receiving Medicaid reimbursements. Talwani found the policy was retaliation against the organization, in violation of its First Amendment rights. The five PPMM clinics will remain closed. PPMM can now bill for MediCal reimbursements but it was not immediately clear if they can retroactively bill to July 4. If they do, they may have to hold onto money received in case the Trump Administration appeals and wins the case at the Supreme Court and the money must be returned. Adams says PPMM leaders are looking at creating a sustainable business model that does not rely on federal funds. “We’re not backing down from this fight,” Adams says. Shut Down Monterey County Planned Parenthood clinics are spared from closure in wake of Medicaid cuts. By Pam Marino Planned Parenthood Mar Monte’s two locations in Monterey County, in Seaside (shown above) and Salinas, remain open. Clinics in Gilroy and Santa Cruz are closed. NEWS DANIEL DREIFUSS “We’re not backing down from this fight.” Seaside’s Premier European Auto Service Experts and Dealership Alternative (831) 230-8031 Monday – Friday 8:00am - 5:30pm 684 Ponderosa St, Seaside, CA 93955 www.MarlowMotorWerks.com Proudly servicing Mercedes, Sprinter, BMW, Audi and Land Rover with precision and passion! Vista Harden Ranch Senior Living is a stunning, locally owned, vibrant community in the heart of Salinas that offers: Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care. 290 Regency Circle, Salinas CA 93906 VistaHardenRanch.com • (831) 443-6467 Want to find out more? Call us today! We would be happy to schedule a personal tour
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