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Federal law prohibits the use of Federal funds for abortion. The law, however, allows private companies to purchase abortion coverage in the health insurance exchanges provided that premiums be paid by individual insurance subscribers.
Health benefit exchanges are required by 2014. Through the exchange private individuals and companies may pool their resources and purchase insurance benefit package provided by private insurance companies.
A health insurance exchange is a state-regulated and standardized health care plan which allows individuals to purchase health insurance that is eligible for Federal subsidies.
A health insurance exchange is a state-regulated and standardized health care plan which allows individuals to purchase health insurance that is eligible for Federal subsidies.
McDonnell's amendment was met with mixed reception. Anti-abortion citizen supported the changes since it will keep anti-abortion citizens from paying for abortion.
However, this amendment was considered intrusive of individual private life according to Pro-Choice protesters in Virginia.
Five states (Louisiana, Arizona, Missouri, Mississippi, and Tennessee) already passed legislations banning coverage of abortion in the insurance exchange. Several more states are expected to follow suit.
Several private abortion clinics already closed owing to legislative bans in Virginia. Last year, Medicaid funding for abortion was eliminated in Virginia.
At present, dozens of bills that limits access to abortion have been filed in legislative bodies nationwide. This includes provisions that would extend waiting periods and cut-off time for women seeking abortion. Federal incentives such as tax breaks for abortion providers are also being eyed for curtailment.
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