Return To Coathangers: GWU Analysis Details Industry-Wide Implications of Stupak-Pitts

[kpete]

GWU Analysis Details Industry-Wide Implications of Stupak-Pitts
by mcjoan
Wed Nov 18, 2009 at 07:00:03 AM PST

The George Washington School of Public Health and Health Services has analyzed Stupak-Pitts, and concludes that "the Amendment would produce industry-wide effects, leading to the elimination of health plan coverage for nearly all medically indicated abortions."

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, the analysis concludes. These 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 employees or spouses or dependents of employees) as well as those who are currently uninsured, will receive their coverage through health insurance exchanges. 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," said Professor Sara Rosenbaum, JD, lead author and Chair of the Department of Health Policy. "The Amendment also can be expected to chill efforts to develop supplemental coverage for medically indicated abortions, because it appears to prohibit the joint administration of both a basic and supplemental product," Rosenbaum noted.


http://www.gwumc.edu/sphhs/about/news.cfm?view=news&d=9425
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2009/11/18/805427/-GWU-Analysis-Details-Industry-Wide-Implications-of-Stupak-Pitts

[Nikki Stone1]

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