Here's proof that Keehan is naive and ingenuous about the federal funding of abortion in Obamacare.
http://www.examiner.com/x-
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on page 779 of the 906 page bill, in Section 1301 (1) the bill specifically states the following:"‘‘
(1) IN GENERAL.—A State may elect to prohibit abortion coverage in qualified health plans offered through an Exchange in such State if such State enacts a law to provide for such prohibition."
Excerpts: How the act funds elective abortions
The Act uses a "segregation of funds" policy to subsidize health insurance plans that cover elective abortions. These subsidized health insurance plans are designed to make coverage available to millions of Americans who currently lack coverage. Each purchaser of a subsidized health insurance plan that includes elective abortion coverage is required by the Act to make two premium payments per month. One payment goes into a fund that pays for abortion coverage.
Thus, persons with subsidized plans that cover abortion will receive abortions paid for by the premiums of everyone enrolled in said plans. This "segregation of funds" method clearly reverses long-standing federal policy of not using federal monies for any part of a subsidized health benefits package that covers elective abortions. The federal government's health insurance subsidies will expand abortion coverage and make abortions more accessible.
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) manages the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP). The Act authorizes the OPM to contract with private insurers to provide coverage to federal employees. The Act requires the OPM Director to ensure that in each state there is at least one plan available that covers elective abortions. Other available plans may still fund elective abortions using the "segregation of funds" method described above.
The Act further appropriates $7 billion over five years to create a "Community Health Center Fund". This was expanded to $9.5 billion in the budget reconciliation bill passed March 25 (Public Law 111-152). These funds are appropriated outside the bounds of annual appropriations bills normally within the scope of the Hyde amendment and other similar riders.
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) manages the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP). The Act authorizes the OPM to contract with private insurers to provide coverage to federal employees. The Act requires the OPM Director to ensure that in each state there is at least one plan available that covers elective abortions. Other available plans may still fund elective abortions using the "segregation of funds" method described above.
The Act further appropriates $7 billion over five years to create a "Community Health Center Fund". This was expanded to $9.5 billion in the budget reconciliation bill passed March 25 (Public Law 111-152). These funds are appropriated outside the bounds of annual appropriations bills normally within the scope of the Hyde amendment and other similar riders.
The only specific limitation on these funds within the Act relates to "school-based" health centers. While these centers will dispense contraceptive drugs and devices to minors, the "school-based" health center funds may not be used to pay for abortions. Otherwise, there is nothing in the Act to restrict health centers funded by the Act from paying for abortions, and it isn't clear whether "school-based" centers may use federal funds for abortion referrals.
