FISCAL NOTE
FUND(S):
0403 - Div of Human Services General Administrative Fund
Sources of Revenue:
General Fund
Legislation creates:
Neither Program nor Fund
Fiscal Note Summary
Effect this measure will have on costs and revenues of state government.
The purpose of this bill is to limit health insurance coverage for elective abortions to coverage provided through supplemental polices. The bill also includes a provision which prohibits payment from "the Medicaid program account" for abortion services or related expenses. The Department currently funds abortions through the Medicaid Program with 100% state dollars and estimates this bill would reduce expenditures by $335,152 based on State Fiscal Year 2010 payments for abortion services. However, additional costs would likely be incurred as a result which can not be quantified (see below).
Fiscal Note Detail
| Effect of Proposal |
Fiscal Year |
2011
Increase/Decrease
(use"-") |
2012
Increase/Decrease
(use"-") |
Fiscal Year
(Upon Full
Implementation) |
| 1. Estmated Total Cost |
0 |
-335,152 |
-335,152 |
| Personal Services |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Current Expenses |
0 |
-335,152 |
-335,152 |
| Repairs and Alterations |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Assets |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Other |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| 2. Estimated Total Revenues |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Explanation of above estimates (including long-range effect):
The above reflects the estimate of the savings in state dollars by not covering abortions. This estimate is based on the payments made for abortion services during SFY 2010. It does not provide an estimate of any anticipated cost increase of choosing to deliver the baby as an alternative to abortion, which could be significant.
Memorandum
This legislation could significantly increase costs for the Bureau for Medical Services. It is difficult to determine the actual fiscal impact of this change because we cannot accurately reflect the change in the number of births and the costs that would accrue to state programs.
Additionally, the WV Supreme Court has held that Medicaid funds for abortions cannot be restricted (Panepinto decision, September 1993 Term).
Person submitting Fiscal Note: Michael J. Lewis
Email Address: dhhrbudgetoffice@wv.gov