Today, SB 92, the Obamacare Opt-Out Bill, passed in the Wisconsin State Senate by a 17-16 vote. This bill protected Wisconsin taxpayers from having to pay for abortion coverage under the health insurance exchanges required under ObamaCare.
The federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), also known as ObamaCare, was signed into law on March 23, 2010. One of the provisions of the law requires the states to operate and maintain “health insurance exchanges.” Insurance plans must meet the federally-prescribed compliance requirements in order to participate in the exchanges.
These requirements include offering the essential health benefits package established by the federal Department of Health and Human Services. Participating plans are eligible to receive federal subsidies for those who qualify for insurance under the exchanges.
However, PPACA/ObamaCare specifically allows states to affirmatively prohibit coverage of abortions under the qualified health plans offered through the exchanges. The President’s Executive Order, signed March 24, 2010, does not alter the opt-out provision. Thirteen other states have already enacted abortion opt-out provisions.
Source: National Right to Life