Today, Americans United for Life submitted a Comment in support of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ proposed rule clarifying that insurance funds used to pay for abortions under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) must be kept separate from other funds. Consistent with the Hyde Amendment, the PPACA restricts the use of federal funds to pay for abortions and requires that such funds are segregated. The proposed rule clarifies that to be considered “segregated” insurance providers must maintain separate billing and collection for funds used to pay for abortion.

“Requiring two separate bills and payments will help ensure that federal funds are allocated in a manner consistent with Congress’ direction under the PPACA,” said AUL’s Staff Counsel Rachel Busick. “This common-sense rule improves and strengthens program integrity and oversight, protects consumers in Federally-facilitated Exchanges, and safeguards taxpayer dollars. The new regulations will also provide increased transparency by allowing consumers to be better aware of when and how much they are subsidizing abortions. We urge HHS to adopt and finalize the rule quickly.”

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