House Endorses Abortion-Related Health Insurance Bill

The Montana House has endorsed a bill that would require health insurance companies to offer coverage plans that do not include elective abortions.

Representatives voted 55-44 to endorse Senate Bill 349 carried by Republican Rep. Vince Ricci of Laurel on Friday.

The measure would require insurers offering plans that cover elective abortions to also offer at least one plan that doesn't.

Ricci says many people in Montana do not want to participate in group policies that offer elective abortion.

Democratic Rep. Ellie Hill of Missoula spoke against the bill saying abortion is legal, no insurance companies support the bill and no other conditions are put on insurance policies in this manner.