Bill Caption

Fiscal Notes

Bill Analysis

SB 20 would prohibit coverage of abortions by a qualified health plan offered through the Texas insurance exchange except in a medical emergency. 

Under this bill, a health benefit plan may provide coverage for abortions if the coverage is provided to an enrollee separately from other health benefit plan coverage offered by the health benefit plan issuer, an enrollee pays separately from the premium for other health benefit coverage, and the coverage provides benefits only for an abortion performed due to medical emergency.

A health benefit plan issuer that provides coverage other than coverage for abortion would not be able to provide a premium discount to reduce the premium for abortion.

A health benefit plan issuer that provides coverage for abortion would be required at the time of enrollment to inform the enrollee that coverage for abortion is optional and separate, the premium cost for abortion is a premium paid separately, and that the enrollee may enroll in a health benefit plan that provides coverage other than coverage for abortion without obtaining coverage for abortion.

Vote Recommendation Notes