June 14th, 2011

Phillyblurbs reports:

Planned Parenthood will close its Doylestown clinic on June 28.

The decision to close the office came down to money, leaders of the organization said Friday.

“Medicaid rates are an issue. We are the only family planning center in Bucks County to receive funds under that program. For us to serve the uninsured, underinsured and low income individuals, it’s an important part of what we do. For years, our funding has not covered the costs of our services,” said Helen Bosley, interim CEO of the Planned Parenthood Association of Bucks County.

About 30 percent of Planned Parenthood of Bucks County’s patients are served under Medicaid. Planned Parenthood of Bucks County spokeswoman Maggie Groff said the organization uses mid-level clinicians and nurse practitioners to keep costs down, but a visit still could cost about $150 and Medicaid might only pay $20. Groff said, “We lose that much money with each person who walks through the door. With the economy, we can’t make that up through fundraising.”

Groff added: “We would love to keep our Doylestown office open, but we just can’t afford it.”

Planned Parenthood of Bucks County will refer patients to its clinics in Quakertown and Warminster, and will offer a pills-by-mail program. Bosley and Groff said the Rainbow Room, the organization’s community center for lesbian, gay and transgender youth and their allies, will stay in the Doylestown community.

The rest of the story is at, Phillyblurbs