Patient experiences using public and private insurance coverage for abortion in Illinois: Implementation successes and remaining gaps

Context: Insurance coverage for abortion in states where care remains legal can alleviate financial burdens for patients and increase access. Recent policy changes in Illinois required Medicaid and some private insurance plans to cover abortion care. This study explores policy implementation from the perspectives of patients using their insurance to obtain early abortion care.

Methodology: Between July 2021 and February 2022, we interviewed Illinois residents who recently sought abortion care at ≤11 weeks of pregnancy. We also interviewed nine key informants with experience providing or billing for abortion or supporting insurance policy implementation in Illinois. We coded interview transcripts in Dedoose and developed code summaries to identify salient themes across interviews.

Results: Most participants insured by Illinois Medicaid or eligible for enrollment received full coverage for their abortions; most with private insurance did not and faced challenges learning about coverage status. Some opted not to use insurance, often citing privacy concerns. Participants who benefited from abortion coverage expressed relief, gave examples of other financial challenges they could prioritize, and described feeling in control of their abortion experience. Those without coverage described feeling stressed, uncertain, and constrained in their decision-making.

Conclusion: When abortion was fully covered by insurance, it reduced financial burdens and enhanced reproductive autonomy. Illinois Medicaid policy-with seamless enrollment options and appropriate reimbursement rates-offers a model for improving abortion access in other states. Further investigation is needed to determine compliance among private insurance companies and increase transparency.