RNC To Modify Employee Insurance Plan After Discovering Benefits Include Abortion Services

Main Category: Health Insurance / Medical Insurance
Also Included In: Abortion
Article Date: 16 Nov 2009 - 2:00 PST

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Republican National Committee Chair Michael Steele said the group will be opting out of coverage for abortion in its CIGNA health plan after Politico reported that the policy has covered the procedure since 1991, the AP/Kansas City Star reports (Simmons, AP/Kansas City Star, 11/13). In a statement, Steele said, "Money from our loyal donors should not be used for this purpose," adding, "I don't know why this policy existed in the past, but it will not exist under my administration."

According to Politico, Federal Election Commission records show that the RNC purchases its coverage from CIGNA, and two CIGNA sales agents confirmed that the policy covers abortion. Several Cigna employees said the insurer allows its customers to opt out of elective abortion coverage, something the RNC chose not to do. The Republican Party platform describes abortion as a "fundamental assault on innocent human life" (Allen/Shiner, Politico, 11/12).

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