WASHINGTON, Nov 18, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) -- A healthcare amendment adopted by
the U.S. House could lead to a loss of health plan coverage for medically
indicated abortions, an analysis by experts found.
The Stupak-Pitts amendment added to the Affordable Health Care for America Act
-- H.R. 3962 -- approved by the House Nov. 7, bans federal funding for abortions
and bars payment of federal subsidies to health insurance products sold in
exchanges that cover most medically indicated abortions.
An analysis conducted by the George Washington University School of Public
Health concluded although the amendment appears to address only plans that
receive federal exchange subsidies, even health plans sold to private, large
employers that purchase outside the exchange ultimately are likely to be
affected.
Lead author Sara Rosenbaum said the findings are based on an assessment of the
extent to which the health benefits services industry adjusts its products over
time to conform to the regulatory environment in which it operates.
"Under national health reform, millions of women, including women who are
covered by small employers as well as those who are currently uninsured, will
receive their coverage through health insurance exchanges," Rosenbaum said in a
statement. "By barring the sale of subsidized products that cover medically
indicated abortions as part of a broader package of benefits, the amendment can
be expected to cause the industry to re-design its offerings in order to avoid
violating the legal restrictions on abortion applicable to exchange products
that receive subsidies."
The analysis is at http://tiny.cc/nBuDv.
URL: www.upi.com
Copyright 2009 by United Press International