HB 557 Summary

• Prohibits health insurance contracts, plans, and policies issued in Alabama from covering elective abortions unless the policyholder purchases a separate optional rider and pays an additional premium.

• Defines "elective abortion" as any abortion other than a spontaneous abortion or one performed to prevent the death of the pregnant woman.

• Applies to all health insurers, nonprofit hospital and health service corporations, group and blanket health insurers, health maintenance organizations, and self-insured employers.

• Clarifies the act does not create or recognize a right to abortion and does not legalize abortions that are currently unlawful under Alabama law.

• Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and gubernatorial approval.