Abortion advocates call for coverage expansion in Delaware

DELAWARE – Abortion advocates used Monday’s 51st anniversary of the passage of Roe V. Wade to push for a new bill in Delaware that would require insurance including Medicaid to cover the cost of the procedure.

According to Delaware Planned Parenthood, one-quarter of their patients are currently enrolled in Medicaid, which they can use for a variety of healthcare services, but not for abortion. The procedure is currently blocked under the state’s Medicaid claim guidelines.

Delaware Planned Parenthood says that the average cost for an abortion can be upwards of $500. They say that can be a significant expense to bear, especially for those who qualify for Medicaid due to their income.

“We’ve seen that the people who are the most impacted are the lowest income and the most vulnerable in our society. About a quarter of our patients are Medicaid patients,” said Delaware Planned Parenthood Spokeswoman Mara Gorman. “It would have a huge impact on those patients.”

Gorman tells 47 ABC WMDT that she believes that adding in Medicaid coverage could see more than just a quarter of current recipients coming in for the procedure; she believes the high price tag and the knowledge of its lack of coverage under Medicaid currently is supressing the true needs that are out there in Kent and Sussex Counties.

Gorman adds that with a new president who aims at decreasing health inequities in access and education, they are working with the community to help raise awareness of the services they offer beyond abortion.