Maryland has made history by becoming the first state to put Affordable Care Act (ACA) insurance surcharges to badass use—by covering abortions for anyone who needs one, no matter what kind of insurance they have (or don’t have).
On Tuesday, May 13, Maryland Governor Wes Moore (D) signed into law the Public Health Abortion Grant Program, allowing the use of surplus non-taxpayer insurance premiums for abortion services statewide (this was made possible by the Affordable Care Act). A big “We See You” to voters in the state that voted “yes” to Question 1 on last November’s ballots approving an enshrinement of the right to reproductive freedom in the state constitution. “This program isn’t just about funding—it’s about keeping clinic doors open and expanding access to underserved parts of the state,” said Delegate Lesley Lopez. “By creating this public health program, we’re safeguarding the rights of those who need care and laying the foundation for new clinics to open where they’re needed most. Today is a promise kept.” Lopez is hoping the passage of this program will have a positive impact in other states, “Twenty-six other states have access to similar surplus funds through their state exchange insurance systems. If programs like ours are duplicated across the country, we could help millions of Americans access essential abortion care—without relying on taxpayer dollars. Maryland is showing what’s possible; let us be your blueprint.”
Grants will begin rolling out in July, with priority given to areas where abortion services are hardest to access.
In a country increasingly obsessed with the accuracy of its Gilead cosplay, we are relieved that Gov. Moore has proven there’s still power to the people. So yeah—let’s give it the fuck up for Maryland! As Abortion Access Front so eloquently put it: “Maryland proves time and time again that they LOVE abortion access!!! The Free State really Free-Stated earlier this week when they announced that they found $25M in ACA spare change. What’re they doing with it? Gov. Wes Moore is making it rain for abortion access by directing these dusty, unused insurance $$$$ to fund a program to pay for abortions, REGARDLESS of a patient’s insurance coverage! Who knew loose healthcare coinage could do more for uteruses than half the Supreme Court?”
THANK YOU MARYLAND FOR PROTECTING REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS!
