Law Commons^™

Stretching Armstrong: How The Eighth Circuit Incorrectly Applied Supreme Court Precedent In Does V. Gillespie, Lauren E. Pair

Saint Louis University Journal of Health Law & Policy

Medicaid serves as an important source of health insurance for millions of Americans. One of the Act’s core tenants is the patient’s freedom to choose from any qualified and willing provider. This “freedom of choice” provision was eventually codified, and subsequent protections were put in place to protect a patient’s choice regarding family planning services. However, as states attempt to limit access to family planning services by severing their Medicaid contracts with Planned Parenthood, patients must rely on § 1983 to pursue relief in federal courts. Section 1983 provides a right of action for the violation of any federal right …