Committee hears competing testimony on abortion savings program, including $13M fund estimate and premium assessment proposal
SB 6,182 would create an abortion savings account funded by a new premium assessment; proponents said the state already holds about $13 million in segregated funds and urged passage to protect clinics, while insurers expressed actuarial concerns and opponents called the assessment a hidden tax.
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Senate Bill 6,182, introduced by Sen. Jessica Bateman, would establish an "abortion savings program" and require a premium assessment on health carriers to fund grants that support direct clinical abortion services across Washington. Committee staff described a first‑year assessment of $0.82 per coverage month and $0.16 per month thereafter, with revenues placed in a dedicated abortion savings account and initial assessments due in 2027.
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