Cornhusker State News

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen has signed an executive order that restricts abortion providers from receiving taxpayer funds. The directive instructs the Division of Medicaid and Long-Term Care within the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to review Medicaid-funded providers and determine if any have been excluded, disenrolled, or sanctioned by Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program in any state. Providers found in violation will face sanctions or be removed from the program.

“Nebraskans have made clear they support a culture of love and life in our state – one that provides protections for the unborn,” said Gov. Pillen. “Throughout my administration, I have advocated for laws that support those values. I’m proud that we can take this bold step in halting funding to abortion providers that receive Medicaid funding.”

Federal and Nebraska law already prohibit using taxpayer money specifically for abortions, but prior to this order, abortion providers could still receive public funds for other services such as family planning. According to the governor's office, these non-abortion services make up a small part of what such providers offer, with their main service being abortions.

Attorney General Mike Hilgers commented on longstanding concerns about taxpayer funding: “This has been an issue that's been in the background for a long time for a lot of people. In fact, the desire of Nebraska taxpayers to not have their funds be used for abortions has been in state statutes for some time.”

Hilgers pointed to two recent developments leading up to the executive order: President Trump’s "One Big Beautiful Bill," which prohibits federal tax dollars from going to certain entities providing abortions; and a U.S. Supreme Court decision supporting South Carolina’s removal of abortion providers from its Medicaid program. The court ruling triggered Nebraska regulations allowing DHHS to terminate enrollment of providers or affiliates terminated by another state's program.

“Nebraskans care about the lives of the unborn. And through laws passed by their state and federal representatives, Nebraskans have made clear that they want their hard-earned taxpayer dollars going to good healthcare, not subsidizing abortions,” added AG Hilgers. “I am thankful for the opportunity to work with the Governor to ensure taxpayer dollars go to those who help Nebraskans and not those who do harm.”

State data show that Medicaid payments to abortion providers in Nebraska totaled $172,164.11 in fiscal year 2024 and $341,972.18 in fiscal year 2025.

Governor Pillen stated alongside DHHS CEO Steve Corsi that while some clinics may lose Medicaid eligibility due to this order, there are other healthcare resources available statewide: “I want to stress Nebraska has ample resources for women who need health care services. There are 12 clinics across Omaha and four in the city of Lincoln,” said Gov. Pillen.

A list of approved Medicaid providers is available on DHHS’ website at https://mltcfindprovider-dhhs.nebraska.gov/.