Private Health Insurers in Colorado Mandated to Cover Abortion Care Starting January 2023
Private health insurance carriers operating in Colorado will be required to provide full coverage for abortion care beginning in January 2025. This mandate comes as a result of Senate Bill 23-189, which was passed by the Colorado Legislature in 2023 and signed into law by Governor Jared Polis. The law not only mandates the coverage of abortion costs but also extends to medication abortions, contraception, vasectomies, and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, all without copays.
Implications of the Law
One of the key aspects of this law is that it closes the gaps in access to essential reproductive healthcare services, not just for abortion but also for sexually transmitted infection treatment and family planning. State Senator Lisa Cutter, a Democrat from Littleton and one of the bill’s sponsors, emphasized the importance of reproductive healthcare as an integral part of primary and preventative care, which has previously been out of reach for many Coloradans.
Expert Insights and Impact
Kiera Hatton Sena, the policy director of Cobalt, a Colorado-based reproductive rights group, highlighted the significance of SB-189 in ensuring that reproductive healthcare is considered healthcare without any ideological barriers. The law aims to level the playing field so that everyone, regardless of their financial means, has access to a full spectrum of reproductive healthcare services.
Jack Teter, the regional director of government affairs for Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, pointed out that the law eliminates the need for individuals to meet deductibles before availing abortion care coverage. This change is expected to benefit over one million Coloradans, making abortion care more accessible and affordable.
Challenges and Future Considerations
State Representative Lorena Garcia, another sponsor of SB-189, discussed the significance of eliminating the need for additional riders for abortion coverage in health insurance policies. She emphasized that abortion care is often a necessity that people may not plan for but require access to when the need arises.
Looking ahead, there is a push to extend insurance coverage for Medicaid recipients and public employees, a move that aligns with the rights enshrined in Amendment 79 of the Colorado Constitution. Despite potential challenges from the federal government, Colorado officials remain committed to safeguarding access to reproductive healthcare, emphasizing the importance of protecting personal freedoms and saving lives through access to abortion care.
