The bill amends RCW 48.43.073 to prohibit cost sharing for abortion services in health plans issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2024. Specifically, it mandates that if a health plan provides coverage for maternity care, it must also offer equivalent coverage for abortion services without imposing any cost sharing. However, for health plans that qualify for health savings accounts, the cost sharing must be set at a minimum level to allow enrollees to maintain tax-exempt contributions and withdrawals. Additionally, the bill includes provisions that ensure individuals have unrestricted access to abortion-related services, while also clarifying that coverage for abortions may be subject to general terms applicable to maternity care.

Furthermore, a new section is added to chapter 41.05 RCW, which extends the same cost-sharing prohibitions to health plans offered to public employees and their dependents, effective from January 1, 2024. This section mirrors the provisions in RCW 48.43.073, ensuring that public employees also benefit from the removal of cost sharing for abortion services, while maintaining compliance with federal regulations regarding health savings accounts. Overall, the bill aims to enhance access to abortion services by eliminating financial barriers for individuals covered under these health plans.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 48.43.073