Planned Parenthood of Northern New England and Bi-State Primary Care Association, a non-profit network of health centers, will receive federal grant money to help consumers sign up for coverage under the new health law.
Federal officials announced Thursday a total of $67 million in grants to more than 105 groups around the country.
Bi-State Primary Care Association will receive $430,000, while Planned Parenthood will get $145,000.
Navigators, as envisioned under the Affordable Care Act, will assist people in completing necessary applications for coverage through the new health exchange marketplaces that launch October 1st.
Planned Parenthood Spokesperson Jill Krowinski says her group’s selection shouldn’t be controversial.
"Well I would hope that everyone would want to make sure that more people have access to health insurance. And if we are really talking about tackling the cost of health care, one way we can do that is to make sure more people have health insurance."
The announcement, though, isn't sitting well with everyone.
In a statement, the conservative group Cornerstone Action said, "It is a shame that these federal dollars will be going to Planned Parenthood of Northern New England. As an abortion service provider, federal dollars and public funds should not be granted to this organization."
