Democrats in state House and Senate say all Michigan insurance companies should be required to offer abortion coverage.
As The Michigan Public Radio Network’s Jake Neher tells us, the legislation is a response to a new law banning abortion coverage in standard health plans.
Under that petition-initiated law, people can only buy coverage for abortions as a separate insurance plan – known as a “rider.” Democrats say just seven of Michigan’s 42 health insurers offer those riders. And none of them offers the plans to individuals buying insurance on their own.
Democratic state Representative Sarah Roberts says Republican leaders who supported the current law need to make sure everyone has access to coverage.
“And if their intent was to not discriminate and not limit access, then they will give us a hearing and a vote on this bill,” she says.
A spokesperson for House Speaker Jase Bolger says he’s concerned the legislation might be little more than a political statement. But he says it could get a committee hearing.