Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires health plans that provide coverage for maternity services to also provide coverage for abortion services, effective January 1, 2015.

Highlights:

• Requires a health plan that provides coverage for maternity care or services to also provide coverage for abortion services (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that a health plan offered in accordance with the requirements of this bill cannot limit a woman’s access to abortion services (Sec. 1).

• Exempts a multistate plan that does not provide coverage for abortion services from complying with the provisions of this bill (Sec. 1).

• Exempts an individual health care provider, religiously sponsored health carrier, or health care facility from participating in the provision of or payment for a specific service if they object for reasons of conscience or religion (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits discrimination against an individual in employment or professional privileges as a result of refusing to participate in the provision of or payment for a specific service if he or she objects for reasons of conscience or religion (Sec. 1).

• Requires an exempt health carrier to perform the following actions (Sec. 1):
• Provide a written notice to enrollees listing services the carrier does not cover for reasons of conscience or religion; and
• Promptly provide written information to enrollees describing how to quickly access the denied services.

• Prohibits an individual or organization with religious or moral opposition to a specific service from having to purchase coverage for that service if they object for reasons of conscience or religion (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text