May 17, 2010 - Ohio House of Representatives, Columbus, OH - House Republican lawmakers Danny Bubp (R-West Union) and Joe Uecker (R-Miami Township) today unveiled House Bill 511, legislation that would allow Ohio to opt out of using tax money to pay for certain abortion services in the state healthcare exchanges that will now be required under federal law.
"The concept that insurance plans that cover abortions can be federally funded is an unprecedented change in federal abortion funding policy and is contrary to Ohio's policy that has been in effect for over a decade," Rep. Bubp said. "In order to preserve the rights of Ohio's citizens, I urge efficient and effective action on House Bill 511."
Under the new federal health care law, each state is required to establish an "American Health Benefit Exchange" to facilitate the purchase of qualified health plans. Health insurance plans offering abortion coverage are allowed to participate in this exchange and receive federal subsidies unless the state legislature opts-out of offering these plans.
"The current guidelines of the federal health care law do nothing to prevent federal subsidies from going to health plans that cover abortions," Rep. Uecker said. "Federal funding for health insurance plans that provide abortion coverage is the equivalent of taxpayer funded, government endorsed abortion.
Senator Gary Cates (R-West Chester) is also introducing companion Senate legislation. Currently, 29 other states have introduced or plan to introduce legislation similar to HB 511. Tennessee has already passed similar opt-out legislation, and Missouri is in the process of doing the same. The enactment of this op-out provision will continue Ohio's longstanding tradition of not using public funds to subsidize elective abortion services.
For more information contact, Megan Piowar, 614/466-0863.
