Purely a business question do not answer with moral platitudes?

Question

Ok purely from a business point of view I was wondering do health insurance companies pay for abortions, it seems to me that from an economic standpoint they would simply because an abortion is far cheaper and far less risky than actually carrying a baby to term and since they do cover pregnancy and childbirth I would think they would actually want you to get an abortion. Just from a business standpoint.

Answer 1

Yes, they do, on some plans.  Some employers, however, choose not to elect to offer the plans that cover abortions, to their employees.

Each company has MULTIPLE plans.  Some plans cover birth control and maternity, including abortions.  Some don't.

So, as with most other COVERAGE questions, you have to look at the PLAN, not the COMPANY.

Answer 2

Sorry ,I don't know the answer ... but I really think it's a good question .

Answer 3

It depends upon the specific benefit package.

Most people don't realize how much control their employers have over what is/isn't covered on their benefit package.  They assume that the insurance company makes the call about everything, which is incorrect.  The employer negotiates the benefit contract with the insurer and generally has the choice to negotiate certain things in or out of the plan.

Something like abortion is the employer's call - if they wish for it to be allowed on the plan, then the insurance company covers it.  If the employer wants to exclude coverage under any circumstances, then the insurer doesn't cover it for employees of that company under any circumstances.  If the employer wishes to only allow abortion coverage when "the life of the mother is in danger," then that's how the insurance company covers it.

(The reasoning above applies to a variety of procedures, not just abortion.  If the employer wants it covered and is willing to pay the premium for it, then its covered.)

Answer 4

yes they do..

something interesting tho.. catholic hospitals/doctors will not. (some other religions too).. so they refer you out of network to someone who will.

Answer 5

That would depend on the policy.

No company would ever pay for an abortion if done purely to terminate an unwanted pregancy.-one that isn;t medically necessary.

If the policy would cover " pregancy or complications thereof' ( or similar wording)  and it was  done in the interest of the health of the mother, then it is possible benefits would be issued.  In this case, you have a pregancy which   developed complications and a therapeudic abortion became medically necessary.

Answer 6

I work for Blue Cross Blue Shield and most of our plans cover elective abortions.

Answer 7

My insurance would cover it.  They don't pay for it, but it's covered.  We had to pay the Co-Pay, but they took up the rest.  And like you, I want no judgements.

Answer 8

While your pondering that notion, why not knock off old people when they need to go into a nursing home -- from a purely business standpoint, of course.  Why "carry" them to term?  It costs a lot of money after all.