Planned Parenthood pays the State of Washington $345,000 to settle medicaid over-billing dispute

The Associated Press via the Seattle Times reports that the State of Washington has settled with Planned Parenthood after an initial audit discovered that Planned Parenthood engaged in $629,143 in over billing during a 3-year period.

It looks like Planned Parenthood’s dirty trick paid off as they only had to pay $345,000 back and make “no admission of incorrect billing, documentation or payment”.

Also interesting to note: Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards was with Washington’s pro-abortion Governor Christine Gregoire earlier this month and on October 13th posted to her Facebook:

Cecile Richards: campaigning today for Senator Patty Murray in Washington state – great to be with Governor Christine Gregoire! Thanks to all the PP Votes volunteers who are phonebanking and doorknocking to let voters know Dino Rossi’s intensely anti-choice, anti-women’s health positions!

Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards

Did Cecile Richards meet with her pal Governor Christine Gregoire to hash out a deal where Planned Parenthood paid back some of their over-billing while not admitting to any wrongdoing and escaping fraud charges? We may never know for sure but we do not that Planned Parenthood’s operation is routinely protected by political allies.

Note: Planned Parenthood of California faces similar over-billing fraud charges. A recent article titled, Planned Parenthood Accused of Massive Fraud states:

While Gonzalez was still working for PPLA the state of California launched audits of various Planned Parenthood affiliates, and uncovered more than $5.2 million in overbilling at a single affiliate based in San Diego.