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HB 1098

Relating to the coverage and provision of abortion, contraception, and sterilization under Medicaid and certain health benefit plans.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Sheryl Cole and 3 co-sponsors

Texas bill requiring Medicaid and health plans to cover abortion, contraception, and sterilization services, challenging state's restrictive reproductive healthcare policies.

Referred to Insurance
#abortion(i0005) #health&humanservicescommission(v0177) #humanservices--medicalassistance(i0905) #insurance--health&accident(i0422)
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Bill Summary · HB 1098

Legislative bill overview

HB 1098 would expand Medicaid and health benefit plan coverage for abortion services, contraception, and sterilization procedures in Texas. The bill addresses current coverage gaps and restrictions that limit reproductive healthcare access under state-regulated insurance plans and Medicaid programs.

Why is this important

Texas has some of the nation's most restrictive abortion laws following the 2022 Dobbs decision, which eliminated federal abortion rights protections. This bill directly confronts those restrictions by requiring insurance coverage of abortion and related reproductive services, potentially affecting hundreds of thousands of Medicaid enrollees and individuals in health plans regulated by Texas. The outcome could significantly reshape reproductive healthcare access and insurance policy in the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional and legal conflict: The bill may conflict with existing Texas law criminalizing most abortions, creating questions about enforceability and potential legal challenges
  • Medicaid funding constraints: Federal law (Hyde Amendment) prohibits federal Medicaid funds from covering abortion except in narrow circumstances, potentially limiting implementation to state funds only
  • Coverage mandate scope: Disagreement over what constitutes medically necessary coverage and whether contraception/sterilization should be treated identically to abortion services under insurance requirements

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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