Health Insurance Abortion Coverage (H 5900A as amended, Article 18)

Article 18 of the state’s budget brought a significant setback for the abortion rights of Rhode Islanders. Going far beyond what is required under the federal Affordable Care Act, the Article mandates a number of health plans be made available on the health exchange that do not cover abortion services, allowing employers to choose the level of reproductive care their employees may obtain. Employees of non-religious organizations may obtain a plan with abortion coverage, but they must both make their employer aware that they want different health care and pay for the abortion coverage themselves. This represents the first anti-abortion legislation passed in Rhode Island in 15 years. The budget was approved by the House and Senate in June, and has been sent to the Governor for her signature.