SB335 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Greg J. Reed

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Health, abortion coverage by exchange participating health plans, State of Alabama opts out of authorizing, health insurance coverage for elective abortions, prohibited, exceptions

Summary

SB335 would opt Alabama out of abortion coverage in health plans offered through the ACA exchange and require any abortion coverage to be bought separately as a rider with extra cost.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, the bill blocks abortion coverage in exchange-participating plans in Alabama, with limited exceptions. Abortion coverage could only be added through an optional rider that requires an additional premium. Exceptions exist for when the life of the mother is endangered, and, in some sections, for abortions resulting from rape or incest; outside these cases, coverage is restricted and rider-based.

Who It Affects

• Individuals in Alabama who purchase private health insurance or obtain it through an employer plan (abortion coverage would generally not be included unless purchased via a separate rider).
• Employers who provide health insurance for employees (including self-insured employers) and the health plans they offer (must align with the rider option and coverage restrictions).
• Health insurers and health plan administrators (must exclude abortion coverage from standard plans and allow it only via an additional rider for a higher premium).

Key Provisions

• Affirmative opt-out: Alabama affirmatively opts out of allowing abortion coverage in exchange-participating health plans.
• Prohibition in exchanges: No abortion coverage may be provided by a qualified health plan offered through an Alabama exchange, with exceptions for life-endangering pregnancies or rape/incest as described.
• Rider option: Abortion coverage may be offered only through an optional rider with an additional premium.
• Scope of applicability: Applies to various health coverage entities in Alabama, including insurers, nonprofit corporations, groups, HMOs, and self-insured employers.
• No right to abortion: The act states it does not create a right to abortion or legalize abortion.
• Effective date: The act becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and approval by the Governor.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Health