Tell HHS: Assure Access to Abortion Insurance Coverage

[lynn82md.livejournal.com]

From NOW:
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is receiving comments from the public about proposed regulations for the new state-based health insurance exchanges and qualified health plans under the new health care reform law. NOW wants to make sure that women's access to insurance coverage for abortion care is made simple and affordable.

Write your own comment or use NOW's sample comment below by cutting and pasting it into the appropriate space on the government regulations website. The deadline for comments is Oct. 31, so act NOW!

Here is the sample comment from NOW if you want to use that instead of writing your own comment:
Dear Secretary Sebelius:

RE: CMS-9989-P, Proposed Rule Regarding Establishment of Exchanges and Qualified Health Plans.

I am writing to urge that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services take action in finalizing regulations for the state-based health exchanges and the qualified health plans under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) to assure that women are made aware of the availability of insurance plan riders for abortion care and that ease of payment be facilitated. A single transfer of funds for payment of both the main policy and the rider should be permitted.

The training of personnel (navigators) associated with the health exchanges must include information about women's health needs, and at least one navigator in each exchange should be a community or consumer-focused non-profit entity. Further, I urge the department to adopt standards that allow for a broad array of specialists and providers, including women's health clinics where women can obtain obstetric/gynecological care as well as family planning services.

I also suggest that the department recognize that individuals in civil unions or registered domestic partners under state laws should be allowed to enroll. It will be important for the department to facilitate a strong oversight mechanism in the reviews of insurance rates, especially with regard to rates for abortion coverage. A strong prohibition against discrimination on the basis of color, national origin, age, sex, gender identity or sexual orientation is critically important. Women have suffered from discriminatory practices by insurers and, hopefully, the ACA will put an end to that. I am looking forward to a robust implementation of these and other safeguards and assurances for women under the ACA.

Sincerely,