SOUTH JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — Some health insurers in New Jersey are now required by state law to fully pay for abortion care, as part of the Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act.
Coverage began January 1st for people covered by individual, small-employer, and state health plans. Larger employer coverage goes into effect later this year.
“We must and will continue to take a comprehensive approach to making reproductive health care safe and accessible to all who need it in our state,” Governor Phil Murphy said.
People with state-regulated health insurance are now able to have full coverage for abortions. This is only for individuals covered by small-employer plans and state plans - for now.
Kaitlyn Wojtowicz VP of Public Affairs at the Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey says there is some gray area about coverage for people working for large employers, so it’s best to ask.
“There could be some large employers’ plans that are not regulated by the state that already provide coverage,” she said. “The best advice would be if someone who is wondering if this mandate covers them or if they’re just curious if their plan covers abortion, to reach out to their plan and figure out what’s provided by their coverage.”
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Wojtowicz says this doesn’t apply to all healthcare plans, as only about one out of five people are covered by state-regulated plans.
Companies with 50 or more employees will be required to cover abortions later this year after the rule-making process is complete. There will be a carve-out for religious organizations.
Wojtowicz says she understands the process is somewhat confusing for individuals.
“We still know that there are folks who may have a high deductible or have a large copay, so this doesn’t remove the financial barriers. But we see it as a good first step.”
The Governor’s office said the new rule “recognizes the right of certain religious employers to request an exclusion under a health insurance contract if the required coverage conflicts with the religious employer’s bona fide religious beliefs and practices.”
Anti-abortion advocates, including Right to Life New Jersey, have criticized the Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act and say it will lead to more women seeking abortions in a state that is already among the national leaders.
New Jersey is the 8th state to mandate abortion access for health insurance providers.
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