EACH Act of 2023 Equal Access to Abortion Coverage in Health Insurance Act of 2023
Impact
If enacted, the bill would require healthcare programs and plans funded by the federal government, including Medicaid and Medicare, to cover abortion services without restrictions. This change is intended to alleviate the financial burden often placed on low-income individuals and minority groups, who currently face significant barriers to accessing abortion care. The bill also includes provisions to prohibit state and local governments from restricting private insurance coverage for abortion services, thereby promoting a more inclusive healthcare environment across various demographics.
Summary
SB1031, known as the Equal Access to Abortion Coverage in Health Insurance Act of 2023, seeks to guarantee that every individual has access to affordable abortion coverage as part of their healthcare. The bill aims to override restrictions that prevent low-income individuals, particularly those insured through Medicaid and other federally funded programs, from obtaining abortion services. It asserts that people should not have their ability to afford healthcare determine their access to abortion services. This legislation comes in light of the historical barriers and systemic discrimination faced by marginalized communities in accessing reproductive health services.
Contention
The proposal also highlights a contentious backdrop, as it directly challenges existing federal restrictions on abortion funding established since 1976, impacting millions of women of reproductive age enrolled in public health programs. Critics may argue that this bill could provoke significant political backlash, particularly in states with conservative legislation surrounding abortion. Furthermore, the different reactions to the bill underscore ongoing debates about reproductive rights, financial equity in healthcare access, and the role of government in regulating health services.
No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act of 2023 This bill modifies provisions relating to federal funding for, and health insurance coverage of, abortions. Specifically, the bill prohibits the use of federal funds for abortions or for health coverage that includes abortions. Such restrictions extend to the use of funds in the budget of the District of Columbia. Additionally, abortions may not be provided in a federal health care facility or by a federal employee. Historically, language has been included in annual appropriations bills for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that prohibits the use of federal funds for abortions—such language is commonly referred to as the Hyde Amendment. Similar language is also frequently included in appropriations bills for other federal agencies and the District of Columbia. The bill makes these restrictions permanent and extends the restrictions to all federal funds (rather than specific agencies). The bill's restrictions regarding the use of federal funds do not apply in cases of rape, incest, or where a physical disorder, injury, or illness endangers a woman's life unless an abortion is performed. The Hyde Amendment provides the same exceptions. The bill also prohibits qualified health plans from including coverage for abortions. Currently, qualified health plans may cover abortion, but the portion of the premium attributable to abortion coverage is not eligible for subsidies.