Will MN Medicaid Pay for My Abortion?

Did you know that 25 percent of women who have had an abortion did so because they felt as though they wouldn’t be able to provide adequately for their child? Here at Options for Women, we believe women should have access to the resources they need to make an empowered choice for their pregnancies. 

If you’re considering abortion but are unsure of the costs you might face, we’re here to answer your questions regarding abortion and finances in the state of Minnesota.

Will Minnesota Medicaid Pay for My Abortion? 

MinnesotaCare, Minnesota’s Medicaid program, will only cover abortions if they are necessary under the following circumstances: 

• If the pregnancy will result in impairment or endangerment of the women’s health or life (Minn. Stat. § 256L.03, subd. 1)
• If the pregnancy was a result of rape or incest. (Minn. Stat. § 256L.03, subd. 1)
• Therapeutic reasons (see Minn. Stat. § 256B.0625, subd. 16)

Those who are insured under private insurance and are seeking insurance coverage for their abortions should refer to their specific plan’s coverage details.

How Much Does Abortion Cost in Minnesota?

If you are not eligible for Insurance or Medicaid coverage to pay for an abortion, you will need to pay for the procedure out-of-pocket. The out-of-pocket cost of an abortion will depend on your unique pregnancy and health conditions, including the gestational age of your pregnancy.

Women who are in the first 11 weeks of pregnancy will be eligible for a medical (or chemical) abortion using the abortion pill, cost starting around  $500 and up to $900 or higher. However, pregnancies that are further along will require a form of surgical abortion, ranging from $500 to $3,000.    

What Other Costs Should I Consider When Deciding if Abortion is Right for Me?

On top of the cost of the procedure itself, you may face other costs throughout the abortion process. As you decide if abortion is right for you, consider the following costs:

• Necessary pre-abortion screenings, including ultrasound, pregnancy testing, and STD testing.
• Medication if needed 
• Follow-up appointments
• Emergency care in case of abortion complications
• Travel and accommodation costs if required for abortion access
• Time off from work for necessary recovery
• Post-abortive counseling 

How Can I Calculate the Cost of my Abortion? 

As you decide if abortion is right for you, you’ll want to undergo pre-abortion screenings to better understand your unique pregnancy. Head to your local pregnancy clinic, like Options for Women St Croix Valley, for confidential pregnancy testing and an ultrasound scan at no cost. 

Once you confirm your pregnancy with our lab-quality pregnancy testing, you’ll receive an ultrasound scan, where you’ll learn the age, location, and viability of your pregnancy — all important factors as you determine the cost of your abortion. 

Our staff at Options for Women St Croix Valley will provide you with pregnancy options information and details about the resources available to you. Our clinic is designed to empower women facing unplanned pregnancies to make the choice that’s best for them! 

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Schedule your no-cost appointment today!

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Sources:

1. Reardon DC. The abortion and mental health controversy: A comprehensive literature review of common ground agreements, disagreements, actionable recommendations, and research opportunities. SAGE open medicine. 2018;6: 1–38. 10.1177/2050312118807624 . [PMC free article] [PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar]