Trump administration withholds $200 million from California over a conscience protection dispute

President Donald Trump's administration will block $ 200 million in Medicaid funding from California in protest against the state's abortion insurance state.

Secretary Alex Azar announced the move during an event at the White House to celebrate the Trump administration's pro-life achievements.

The Trump administration has long assessed that State of California has been violating federal conscience laws by requiring health insurance companies to pay for abortions.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom twitted.

“Nothing like the ‘pro-life’ party eliminating healthcare during a GLOBAL PANDEMIC,” the governor wrote. “California will survive without this $$ for now—but their frail, pathetic patriarchal system they are so desperate to protect won’t.”

“We have informed California that this policy clearly violates federal conscience laws, but the state refuses to fix the issue and comply,” Alex Azar. “Accordingly, we plan to withhold $200 million in federal Medicaid funds from the state in the first quarter of 2021, and unless California amends its policies, we will seek to withhold an additional $200 million every quarter until it complies.” Secretary Alex Azar

CTM News

18 Dec 2020