Are you considering abortion after finding out you’re pregnant? Maybe you’re struggling with finances and don’t know what to do next. Before making a major pregnancy decision, learn if Medicaid will pay for an abortion. Many people are unaware of the cost of abortion and the steps necessary to receive one. Here is more information so you can make an informed decision for your future.
Who Is Eligible for Medicaid?
Millions of Americans are covered by Medicaid every year. To be eligible for Pennsylvania Medicaid, you must be a resident of Pennsylvania, U.S. national, citizen, legal alien, or permanent resident with a need for health insurance with a low-income or very low-income financial situation. You also must be:
- Pregnant, or
- Be responsible for a child 17 years of age or younger, or
- Have a disability or a family member in your household with a disability.
Check here to see if you’re eligible for Pennsylvania Medicaid based on your household income level.
Will Pennsylvania Medicaid Pay for Abortion?
Abortion costs vary based on how far along you are in your pregnancy. According to Planned Parenthood in Southeast Pennsylvania, a chemical abortion performed during the first 10 weeks of pregnancy normally costs up to $500. If you are over 10 weeks pregnant, a surgical abortion is required. A first-trimester abortion (up to 13 weeks) costs between $450 and $1,500. You may have other out-of-pocket expenses depending on your provider.
While abortion coverage differs in each state, Pennsylvania only meets federal requirements to fund abortion in cases of rape, life endangerment, and incest. So Medicaid will only pay for abortion in the instances of rape, life endangerment, or incest. Here are some other abortion insurance protocols to be aware of:
- Health plans offered in the state’s health exchange under the Affordable Care Act can only cover abortion if the woman’s life is endangered, or in cases of rape or incest, unless individuals purchase an optional rider at an additional cost.
- Abortion is covered in insurance policies for public employees only in cases of life endangerment, rape, or incest.
- Government funding is available for abortion only in cases of life endangerment, rape, or incest.
Without Medicaid coverage on a large number of abortions in Pennsylvania, abortion can be quite expensive.
No-Cost Pregnancy Confirmation
Confirm your pregnancy before moving forward with any pregnancy decision. Learn more about which abortion procedure you may be eligible for by finding out how far along you are in your pregnancy with a limited ultrasound, and find out if you may be at higher risk for complications from any existing STDs, such as gonorrhea or chlamydia. North Care Women’s Clinic does not provide or refer for abortion, we provide the information you will need in order to decide if abortion is right for you.
Receive these confidential pregnancy services and more from our team at North Care Women’s Clinic at no cost. Our medical staff is here to inform you and answer any questions you may have about your pregnancy.
Schedule your free appointment with us today to receive support.
Sources:
Pennsylvania Medicaid Program: https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/1148
Guttmacher Institute: https://www.guttmacher.org/fact-sheet/state-facts-about-abortion-pennsylvania