Does Insurance Cover Abortions in the US

In the US, insurance coverage for abortions varies depending on the state and type of insurance plan. Most private insurance plans do not cover abortions, except in cases of life endangerment or severe physical health risks.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) does not require private insurance plans to cover abortions, but some states have their own laws that mandate coverage. For example, New York and California have laws that require private insurance plans to cover abortions.

Women with Medicaid coverage may be eligible for abortion services, but the availability of these services depends on the state. Some states have laws that restrict Medicaid coverage for abortions, while others have laws that allow for coverage.

Insurance coverage for abortions varies greatly depending on your state's laws and the type of health insurance you have. Some states restrict abortion coverage, while others require it in all private insurance policies.

The Guttmacher Institute reports that as of June 2023, 11 states have laws restricting coverage for abortion in all private insurance health plans, including ACA plans. Eight states require coverage in all private insurance policies.

In more than half the states, health insurance plans sold in the exchange aren’t allowed to cover abortions except for circumstances involving rape, incest, or the mother's life is in danger. This means you may need to pay out of pocket or seek financial assistance for abortion services in these states.

If you have health insurance that covers abortion services and live in a state that allows for this coverage, you can have an abortion procedure done and submit a claim for the costs through your insurance company. Your health insurance company will likely pay the provider directly.

Here's a breakdown of how abortion coverage varies by state:

Medicaid covers most or all medically necessary abortions in 17 states.

In 32 states and the District of Columbia, Medicaid will only provide abortion coverage in instances of rape, incest, or life endangerment.

Texas is one of the states that restricts public abortion coverage to cases of incest or rape, excluding all other circumstances.

The Hyde Amendment restricts federal Medicaid funds from covering abortions except in cases of rape, incest, or life threatening risk to the pregnant person.

In states that follow the Hyde Amendment, Medicaid covers abortion only in the limited cases allowed by federal law.

17 states use state funds to cover abortions more broadly, including for reasons such as personal choice and health.

People in states that restrict abortion coverage may need to pay out of pocket or seek financial assistance for abortions.

South Dakota restricts public abortion coverage to cases of life endangerment, excluding all other circumstances.

Some states have laws that restrict abortion coverage, while others don't.

In states like Texas, for example, abortion coverage is not allowed in most private insurance plans.

In contrast, states like California and New York require insurance plans to cover abortion services, including elective procedures.

In states like Illinois, insurance plans are required to cover abortion services, but only if they cover other medical procedures.

In states like Alabama and Georgia, abortion is heavily restricted, and insurance coverage is not allowed for most abortion procedures.

Some states have laws that restrict or forbid private insurance plans from covering abortion, even if you have a plan through the Affordable Care Act marketplace. These restrictions limit options for people with private insurance in those states.

As of June 2023, 11 states have laws restricting coverage for abortion in all private insurance health plans, including ACA plans. Eight states require coverage in all private insurance policies.

The following states have banned private insurance coverage for abortion in most plans, except in very limited circumstances:

If you have health insurance that covers abortion services and live in a state that allows for this coverage and the services, you can have an abortion procedure done and submit a claim for the costs through your insurance company.

Your health insurance company will likely pay the provider directly.

Medicaid covers most or all medically necessary abortions in 17 states.

In 32 states and the District of Columbia, Medicaid will only provide abortion coverage in instances of rape, incest, or life endangerment.

South Dakota restricts public abortion coverage to cases of life endangerment.

You may pay for the procedure out of pocket if you don't have health coverage.

Some states have laws that restrict or forbid private insurance plans from covering abortion, even if you have a plan through the Affordable Care Act marketplace. This can limit your options if you're considering an abortion.

As of June 2023, 11 states have laws restricting coverage for abortion in all private insurance health plans, including ACA plans.

If you live in one of these states, you might be surprised to learn that your insurance plan doesn't cover abortion services, even in cases of rape or incest. For example, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and Texas have banned private insurance coverage for abortion in most plans, except in very limited circumstances.

Other states, like those with restrictions on abortion coverage in marketplace health plans, may require separate billing or restrict coverage to life-threatening situations.

Here's a list of states with laws restricting private insurance coverage for abortion:

Keep in mind that laws have been changing rapidly since Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022, so it's essential to check your state's laws and your insurance plan's policies to understand your coverage.

In some states, Medicaid coverage for abortion is limited to specific exceptions.

Iowa, Mississippi, Virginia, and West Virginia provide state funds for abortions in cases of fetal impairment.

People in these states can get state funds to cover an abortion if a fetus has a serious health condition that may affect its development or quality of life.

In Indiana, Utah, West Virginia, and Wisconsin, state funds are available for abortions that doctors deem necessary to prevent long lasting damage to the pregnant person's physical health.

South Dakota only allows abortions if the pregnant person's life is at risk.

The following states adhere strictly to the Hyde Amendment restrictions, meaning Medicaid will only cover abortion in cases of rape, incest, or life-threatening risk: