Delaware Senate gives final approval to bill mandating insurance coverage for abortions

Democratic lawmakers in Delaware have given final approval to a bill requiring most private health insurance plans and the state’s Medicaid program to cover abortions. The bill cleared the Democrat-led Senate on a party-line vote Tuesday and now goes to Democratic Gov. John Carney. In addition to mandating coverage for abortions, the legislation prohibits most insurance plans including the one covering state government employees from charging copays, applying deductibles, or imposing any other cost-sharing requirements for abortion services. Analysts estimate that the legislation will cost Delaware taxpayers about $500,000 annually for abortions covered by Medicaid and the state employee health insurance plan.