To document the self-pay price of later abortion care in the US and assess whether facilities would accept state Medicaid as payment as of the study period.
Key Findings:
24 states banned abortion before 22 weeks, and 17 set limits at 24 weeks or based on fetal viability.
The median self-pay price for a second-trimester abortion was $895 in 2020, with significant variation across states.
Fewer than 1% of abortions in the US occur after 21 weeks, leading to limited data on later abortion pricing.
Interpretation:
Understanding self-pay prices and Medicaid acceptance is crucial for abortion seekers, especially given the financial barriers associated with later abortion care.
Limitations:
Limited data on self-pay prices for later abortions due to the low number of such procedures.
Variability in state Medicaid policies and reimbursement rates complicates the financial landscape for abortion seekers, impacting their access to care.
Conclusion:
The study highlights the need for clear information on self-pay prices and Medicaid acceptance to assist abortion seekers in navigating access challenges, which could inform policy changes.
