he bill would require plans renewed or beginning after Jan. 1, 2019 to provide, with no deductibles, coverage for contraceptives, including everything from birth control pills to IUDs. (Photo: Shutterstock)
Women in Washington state will be far better protected in the right to an abortion, thanks to a bill passed by the state legislature over the weekend and expected to be signed by the governor.
Bustle reports that health insurance companies who operate in Washington and who provide plans that include maternity care will be required by the legislation to cover elective abortions and contraceptives.
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The bill was sponsored by state Senator Steve Hobbs, who is quoted saying in January, "No woman should have to seek or pay for an additional rider or copay or have any other means of delay or financial burden for this coverage."
The report cites The Seattle Times saying that the bill would require plans renewed or beginning after Jan. 1, 2019 to provide, with no deductibles, coverage for contraceptives, including everything from birth control pills to IUDs. Plans would also have to cover such procedures as voluntary sterilization, as well as any associated consultation meetings.
State health insurers, who are not allowed to use federal funds to pay for abortions except in cases of rape, incest, or to save the life of the mother, will reportedly be required to segregate all costs associated with providing abortions into different accounts.
While the bill's opponents have argued that it is unfair that employers who provide health insurance would have to cover costs associated with abortion, even if they are religiously opposed to them, Hobbs has argued that the new health care plan regulations "should be part of basic women's primary health," according to The Seattle Times.
For his part, Governor Jay Inslee has a strong record on supporting women's rights, including the right to an abortion. When still a congressman, he voted in support of bills expanding such rights, and against any measures that would seek to curtail a woman's right to choose.
And in a meeting between the president and 39 state governors, Inslee has also pushed back, directly to the president, against the Trump administration notion of arming teachers to protect students in the wake of the Florida shootings.
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Marlene Satter
Marlene Y. Satter has worked in and written about the financial industry for decades.
