Michigan Senate Bill SB0114

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/1/23
• Refer: 3/1/23

Caption

Insurance: health benefits; Abortion Insurance Opt-Out Act; increase fines. Amends sec. 10 of 2013 PA 182 (MCL 550.550).

Impact

If enacted, SB 114 will have significant implications for reproductive health regulations in Michigan, particularly by increasing financial barriers to accessing abortion services. By mandating that any reimbursement for elective abortions must come from a separate rider, it is expected to limit coverage options for individuals who may not be able to afford additional insurance. The bill also raises the fines for violations from $10,000 to $25,000, thereby increasing the stakes for healthcare providers and insurers regarding compliance with this law.

Summary

Senate Bill 114, also known as the Abortion Insurance Opt-Out Act, seeks to amend the existing regulations related to abortion services and insurance reimbursement. Specifically, the bill stipulates that an individual or health facility may not seek or accept reimbursement from various health plans for services directly related to elective abortion unless such reimbursement comes from an optional rider as defined within the act. This change ensures that elective abortion services are separated from standard medical coverage, requiring additional distinct insurance coverage for those seeking such services.

Contention

The bill may face substantial opposition due to its potential to restrict access to abortion services and lower overall healthcare coverage for reproductive health. Critics argue that this approach endangers women's rights to make informed decisions about their reproductive health and could lead to wider disparities in health access, particularly impacting low-income individuals who may struggle to pay for additional insurance riders. Proponents, however, may argue that the legislation upholds the ethical considerations surrounding funding for elective abortions through health insurance.