Missouri § 376.805 - Elective abortion to be by optional rider and requires additional premium — elective abortion defined — health insurance exchanges not to offer coverage for elective abortions.
Full text of Missouri Revised Statutes of Missouri § 376.805 — Elective abortion to be by optional rider and requires additional premium — elective abortion defined — health insurance exchanges not to offer coverage for elective abortions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 376.805. Elective abortion to be by optional rider and requires additional premium — elective abortion defined — health insurance exchanges not to offer coverage for elective abortions.
1. No health insurance contracts, plans, or policies delivered or issued for delivery in the state shall provide coverage for elective abortions except by an optional rider for which there must be paid an additional premium. For purposes of this section, an "elective abortion" means an abortion for any reason other than a spontaneous abortion or to prevent the death of the female upon whom the abortion is performed.
2. Subsection 1 of this section shall be applicable to all contracts, plans or policies of:
(1) All health insurers subject to this chapter; and
(2) All nonprofit hospital, medical, surgical, dental, and health service corporations subject to chapter 354; and
(3) All health maintenance organizations.
3. No health insurance exchange established within this state or any health insurance exchange administered by the federal government or its agencies within this state shall offer health insurance contracts, plans, or policies that provide coverage for elective abortions, nor shall any health insurance exchange operating within this state offer coverage for elective abortions through the purchase of an optional rider.
4. This section shall be applicable only to contracts, plans or policies written, issued, renewed or revised after September 28, 1983. For the purposes of this subsection, if new premiums are charged for a contract, plan or policy, it shall be determined to be a new contract, plan or policy.
--------
(L. 1983 S.B. 222 § 1, A.L. 2010 S.B. 793)
(1992) Where statute prohibits insurance coverage for elective abortion unless coverage is provided in optional rider with separate premium, it does not impose an undue burden on a woman's abortion decision and it is rationally related to Missouri's interest in protecting the interest of citizens who object to subsidizing abortions through payment of their insurance premiums. Coe v. Melahn, 958 F.2d 223 (8th Cir.).
---- end of effective 28 Aug 2010 ----
Source: official Missouri text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Missouri § 376.805
What does Revised Statutes of Missouri § 376.805 cover?
Section 376.805 ("Elective abortion to be by optional rider and requires additional premium — elective abortion defined — health insurance exchanges not to offer coverage for elective abortions.") is part of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, the codified statutory law of Missouri. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Missouri § 376.805?
A common citation format is "Revised Statutes of Missouri § 376.805" (Missouri). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Missouri law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Missouri official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Missouri attorney.
How does Missouri § 376.805 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Missouri can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Missouri.