Sen. Josh Hawley Targets ACA Coverage for Minors
This week, it was announced that Senator Josh Hawley from Missouri is set to introduce legislation that would completely eliminate coverage for abortion and gender reassignment care for minors under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
While it’s already against the law to use federal funds for elective abortions due to the Hyde Amendment, many plans available on ACA exchanges still manage to include abortion coverage through various state loopholes and billing practices. Hawley’s proposed bill seeks to clarify that ACA health plans can only provide abortion services in limited situations, specifically in cases of rape, incest, or if the mother’s life is in danger.
In addition, the bill aims to prohibit any coverage for gender reassignment care for minors, which includes both medications and procedures.
“It’s time to stop abortion and gender transition for minors on healthcare exchanges,” Hawley stated in his announcement. “No more loopholes.”
Senate Focus Shift as Deadline Approaches
This legislative push comes as the Senate prepares to revisit the ACA, with the deadline for extending Obamacare subsidies looming ahead of the November 1 open enrollment period.
Democrats are already advocating for an extension, yet Senate Republicans have indicated they would only consider negotiating a revised subsidy agreement after the government shutdown issue is resolved.
Since October 1, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and his party have blocked Republican efforts to end the government shutdown on multiple occasions, asserting that Republicans need to compromise more. However, Senate Majority Leader John Thune contends that it’s the Democrats who are making unreasonable demands.
“Democrats often claim that Republicans aren’t engaging in negotiations. But real negotiation is about both sides bringing demands to the table,” Thune expressed on the Senate floor. “Republicans haven’t made any demands; it’s solely Democrats asking for things—and those requests are costly.”
The Ongoing Shutdown Saga
There are calls from Democrats to reverse proposed cuts totaling $1.5 trillion from spending plans, which includes restoring some funding that assists illegal immigrants, according to Republican assertions.
If the government remains closed past November 1, it could lead to higher premiums for those seeking ACA coverage. This shutdown could potentially become the longest in U.S. history, eclipsing a previous record set during President Bill Clinton’s administration, which lasted 21 days.
