HHS Cancels Maryland Abortion Grant Program

Maryland Abortion Grant Program Faces Federal Scrutiny

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has requested that Maryland withdraw its “Public Health Abortion Grant Program,” which has utilized funds from the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to finance abortions.

According to a letter obtained by The Daily Signal, President Trump’s CMS informed Maryland’s insurance commissioner that the program goes beyond what the ACA permits regarding the use of these funds.

The ACA, specifically Section 1303, restricts federal funds for abortions, allowing them only in cases of rape, incest, or life-threatening situations for the mother. However, it does permit private insurance to cover abortion services as long as federal subsidies are entirely separate from that coverage.

For instance, enrollees contribute at least $1 monthly to a designated account meant for abortion coverage.

CMS formally stated that Maryland needs to discontinue the Public Health Abortion Grant Program, which provides grants to organizations and funds that assist individuals unable to use their insurance for abortion care. This includes those who are underinsured or uninsured, as well as young people and others enrolled in plans with abortion limitations.

This initiative was established by Maryland Governor Wes Moore when he signed a law last May. The legislation includes a provision indicating that if CMS determines the law breaches Section 1303 before June 30, 2031, it will become ineffective.

Given its finding that the law “exceeds the permissible use for these funds under Section 1303 of the ACA,” CMS will compel the state to end this program. Marie Grant, the Maryland Insurance Commissioner, confirmed receipt of the CMS letter.

The law had allocated roughly $25 million for abortions effective July 1, thanks to the accumulation of that $1 surcharge since the ACA’s implementation in 2010. However, Maryland anticipates it can only earmark about $3 million annually for abortions going forward.