Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Issues Final Rule Mandating Separate Billing for Abortion Services

Last week, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule mandating separate billing and collection for abortion coverage provided by state exchange plans under the Affordable Care Act. This provision, part of a larger set of regulations regarding state-based exchanges, helps ensure that public funding does not go to elective abortion coverage. Federal funds are currently prohibited from going to elective abortion services under the federal Hyde Amendment.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, chairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, applauded the move, stating that "with this rule, Americans can now see and try to avoid complicity by choosing plans consistent with their consciences."  

Archbishop Naumann's full statement can be found on the USCCB website.

CMS's statement on the new rules can be found on its website.