Wisconsin Senate okays Planned Parenthood bill by 18-14 vote

MADISON — The state Senate has approved a bill that would cost Planned Parenthood millions of dollars in Medicaid reimbursement.

The Senate passed the Republican measure 18-14 on Wednesday. It goes next to the Assembly.

The bill would require abortion providers to bill Medicaid only for the actual acquisition cost plus a dispensing fee for birth control drugs — a change that would cost Planned Parenthood an estimated $4.5 million per year.

Minority Democrats complained the bill unfairly targets Planned Parenthood and limits access to birth control.

Pro-Life Wisconsin, Wisconsin Family Action and Wisconsin Right to Life are the only groups registered in support of the bill. Eight organizations, including the Wisconsin Alliance for Women's Health, Inc., and the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, have registered against it.