Newly introduced legislation in the House would require that insurers disclose whether they cover abortion procedures in plans sold through health insurance exchanges.
Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) and 70 other House members introduced the bill Wednesday, claiming it will help consumers avoid monthly abortion coverage surcharges that insurers are expected to impose and could potentially be hidden in fine print.
"Many pro-life Americans may unwittingly purchase pro-abortion plans because of a marketing secrecy clause embedded in Obamacare which stipulates that the surcharge be minimally disclosed only at the time of enrollment," Smith said in a statement. "Americans have a right to know upfront and with full transparency when they are purchasing a plan that subsidizes the killing of unborn children."
The bill would mandate that insurers disclose abortion coverage to consumers when they enroll in a plan and "prominently" display such coverage in any marketing or advertising materials.
Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R-Mo.), a co-sponsor of the bill, said health plans should itemize their coverage like phone bills. "Consumers have a right to know what they are buying," she said at a press conference, according to the Daily Caller. "I adamantly believe that we need to lift the veil of secrecy from Obamacare while ensuring transparent policies."
To learn more:
- here's the bill text (.pdf)
- read Smith's statement
- check out the Daily Caller article