Signed by Governor Greg Abbott

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

A vote to pass a bill establishing new requirements for elective abortions.

Highlights:

• Defines “elective abortion” as an abortion performed that is not due to a medical emergency (Sec. 1695).

• Specifies that a qualified health plan offered through the health benefit exchange may not provide coverage for elective abortions (Sec. 1696).

• Defines “health benefit exchange” as an American health benefit exchange administered by the federal government under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Sec. 1696).

• Authorizes a health benefit plan to provide coverage for elective abortions under the following circumstances (Sec. 1218):

• The coverage for elective abortion is provided separately from the other health benefit plan coverage offered;

• The enrollee pays the premium for coverage for elective abortions separately from the premium for other health benefit plan coverage; and

• The enrollee provides a signature for coverage for elective abortions separately from the signature required for other health benefit plan coverage.

• Prohibits a health benefit plan issuer from providing a premium discount for an enrollee for another health benefit plan on the basis that the enrollee has coverage for elective abortion (Sec. 1218).

• Establishes that a healthcare facility that provides coverage for elective abortions shall provide an enrollee with notice of the following information, prior to procedure (Sec. 1218):

• Coverage for elective abortions is optional and separate from other health benefit plan coverage offered;

• The premium cost for elective abortion coverage is a premium paid separately from the other health benefit plans; and

• The enrollee may enroll in a health benefit plan without obtaining coverage for elective abortions.

Full Bill Text