Insurers Required To Pay For Abortions In Washington State

OLYMPIA, WA -- Insurers will soon have to cover the cost of abortions in Washington state after lawmakers approved the bill last weekend. The bill now goes to Gov. Jay Inslee for a signature.

The Associated Press reported lawmakers approved the bill by a 27-22 vote after Democrats tried for years to have the measure approved.

Senate Bill 6219 requires that insurance companies offering maternity care also cover the cost of abortions and contraceptives. "The bill would require health plans issued or renewed after Jan. 1, 2019, to provide copayment- and deductible-free coverage for all contraceptive drugs and devices, as well as voluntary sterilization and any consultations or other necessary procedures," the Associated Press reported.

The bill was authored by Sen. Steve Hobbs (D-Lake Stevens) who has been trying to get the measure passed since 2012, according to KIRO 7.

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