Can I use medicaid for abortion care?

Figuring out how to pay for an abortion can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re using public insurance. Medicaid coverage for abortion care depends on where you live, and the rules can be tricky to understand given constantly changing state and federal laws. But knowing how your state’s Medicaid program works—and whether it covers abortion care—can help you access the care you need with less stress.

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Hey Jane accepts Illinois Medicaid for medication abortion care (along with other private insurance plans), and we’re actively working to expand Medicaid coverage to more states. When using public or private insurance, your out-of-pocket cost may be as little as $0, and treatment includes all the medications needed for a safe and effective at-home abortion, plus 24/7 virtual support from licensed clinicians. To see if you’re eligible for care with Hey Jane, fill out this quick online form.

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Does Medicaid cover abortion?

It can, but coverage depends on the state Medicaid program you’re enrolled in. Not all Medicaid plans cover abortion—mainly because of a federal law called the Hyde Amendment that prohibits the use of federal funds for abortion care. The only exceptions (dubbed the “Hyde exceptions”) are in cases of sexual assault, incest, or when the person’s life is in danger. 

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As of January 2025, only 17 states cover abortion care through their Medicaid programs beyond the Hyde exceptions even though 45% of abortion patients are enrolled in Medicaid nationally. On top of treatment costs, patients also have to consider how to pay for transportation to and from a clinic, child care, and lost wages due to missing work for in-person appointments. At Hey Jane, we believe that cost should never be a barrier to care, which is why we’re proud to accept Illinois Medicaid and remove additional costs by offering online consultations, discreetly mailed medications, and private virtual support from our team of providers.

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Does Medicaid cover all types of abortion?

If your Medicaid plan covers abortion, this coverage usually applies to both medication abortion (abortion pills) and procedural (in-clinic) abortions. Coverage can also depend on whether abortion care is provided virtually or in person, and how far along the pregnancy is. 

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How does the Hyde Amendment impact abortion coverage?

As mentioned, the Hyde Amendment restricts the use of federal Medicaid funds to cover abortion, with a few exceptions. Unfortunately, this restriction negatively affects access to safe abortion care, as people in states that don’t offer expanded Medicaid coverage must pay out of pocket or seek financial assistance from private organizations.

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If you need financial assistance, Hey Jane can help. In addition to accepting private insurance and Illinois Medicaid, we provide sliding scale pricing based on annual income for self-pay patients, as well as financial support through our abortion fund partners.

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What states does Medicaid cover abortion in?

Some state Medicaid programs have taken initiatives to expand their abortion coverage beyond Hyde exceptions. Below is a list of these states that cover telehealth abortion care to some degree, and their coverage details as of January 2025:

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Ongoing litigation in Michigan, Nevada, and Pennsylvania could result in expanded Medicaid coverage for abortion care in the near future.

Does Illinois Medicaid cover abortion?

Yes—and Hey Jane accepted Illinois Medicaid, which can bring the cost of abortion care to $0 for eligible patients. Illinois is one of the few states that use its own funds to ensure its Medicaid program covers abortion care so there are no out-of-pocket expenses for patients. All Illinois Medicaid plans are required to cover medication and surgical abortions.  

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Illinois has two Medicaid health insurance programs for pregnant people that provide abortion coverage, including:

• Medicaid Presumptive Eligibility (MPE): Offers immediate, temporary coverage for outpatient services for pregnant people.
• Moms & Babies: Offer coverage for people while they are pregnant and for 12 months after the baby is born—regardless of whether the pregnancy ended as a result of birth, miscarriage, or abortion.

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How to confirm your Medicaid plan covers abortion

Not sure if your Medicaid plan covers abortions? Here are the steps you can take to determine if coverage is available:

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1. Review your state’s policies: Go to your state’s Medicaid website to see if they’ve expanded abortion coverage beyond the Hyde exceptions.
2. Reach out to your Medicaid provider: On your Medicaid card, there should be a number you can call to speak with a representative about abortion coverage. Make sure you ask specific questions regarding whether they cover surgical, medication, in-person, and/or telehealth abortion.
3. Ask your abortion provider: Don’t hesitate to ask your abortion provider for support. They can help you navigate your Medicaid plan and confirm if abortion care is fully covered.