Texas House Bill HB2447

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to prohibited actions regarding health benefit plan coverage for enrollees who refuse to have an abortion.

Impact

The bill represents a significant shift in health insurance regulations concerning abortion-related coverage. Its enactment would protect enrollees from losing their health benefits based solely on a refusal to have an abortion, addressing concerns about how such decisions can impact the accessibility of necessary health services. By advocating for this change, the bill aims to safeguard reproductive rights and ensure that individuals have autonomy over their healthcare choices without punitive measures imposed by insurers.

Summary

House Bill 2447 aims to amend the Texas Insurance Code to prohibit health benefit plan issuers from conditioning coverage on an enrollee's decision regarding abortion. Specifically, it mandates that an enrollee cannot be required to have an abortion to maintain their health coverage, regardless of whether a physician has diagnosed a fetal abnormality or the unborn child as unviable. This legislative proposal is focused on reinforcing the rights of individuals who choose not to undergo such procedures and ensuring their health coverage remains intact without such stipulations.

Contention

Notably, the introduction of HB2447 is likely to stir debates among differing stakeholders, particularly regarding reproductive rights and insurance policies. Proponents of the bill may argue that it affirms a person's right to choose and underscores the importance of protecting individuals from potential coercion in their healthcare decisions. Conversely, opponents may raise concerns about its implications for healthcare issuers and the complexities it could introduce into insurance regulations. The discourse will likely focus on balancing the rights of enrollees with the operational requirements of health benefit plans.