NCDActive
Abortion
NCD127
Effective: June 19, 2006
Updated: December 31, 2025
Policy Summary
Medicare does not cover abortions except in three circumstances: pregnancy resulting from rape, pregnancy resulting from incest, and when a physician certifies that a physical disorder, injury, or illness (including a life‑threatening condition caused by the pregnancy) places the woman in danger of death unless an abortion is performed. Physician certification is explicitly required for coverage when the pregnancy poses a life‑threatening risk; other documentation requirements for rape or incest are not specified in this policy.
Coverage Criteria Preview
Key requirements from the full policy
"Abortion is covered when the pregnancy is the result of an act of rape."
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