Over one in four employers is exploring the expansion of covered abortion services, according to a new report from the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans. The Post-Dobbs Employer Coverage: July 2022 Pulse Survey revealed current abortion coverage offerings and future considerations. When asked about making changes to current coverage for abortion services, employers responded with the following:
- No changes to current coverage levels (46%)
- Don't know/wait and see (26%)
- Exploring expansion of covered abortion services (26%)
- Unable to make plan changes due to applicable legal requirements (2%)
- Less than one percent said they are exploring a reduction in or elimination of covered abortion services
Regarding abortion services, employers reported currently covering:
- Non-elective/medically necessary services (73%)
- Elective/nonmedically necessary services (60%)
- Medications (52%)
- Telehealth (32%)
- Travel to location where services are performed (10%)
- Lodging near location where services are performed (9%)
From legal complexities to impact on worker recruitment/retention, many employers are grappling with concerns resulting from the Supreme Court Dobbs decision, including:
- Legal ramifications (35%)
- Managing worker expectations (15%)
- Administrative complexity (13%)
- Impact on worker recruitment/retention (7%)
- Additional costs (6%)
- Potential reputation/public relations issues (5%)
- Coordinating multiple plans (2%)
Other cited concerns include employee health ramifications, future division amongst workers, mental health impacts, religious-based plans, and confusion about whether to provide travel and lodging per IRS guidelines.
Get all your questions answered at ASE’s next Ask the Lawyer webinar.
Ask the Lawyer: With Roe Overturned, What Should Employers Do?
July 28, 2022; 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Although Michigan isn’t currently impacted by the Roe decision, there is potential for it if a pre-Roe 1931 law, which is in abeyance, becomes effective. Further, employers with employees in the various states may have to modify their policies and practices depending on where the employee is located. This session will review the current Michigan status, the various states and jurisdictions that have abortions prohibitions, and the impact of ERISA on these prohibitions.
Sponsored by: Dinsmore
Presented by: Andrey Tomkiw, Partner, Dinsmore
Register at https://aseconnect.aseonline.org/topclass/topclass.do?expand-OfferingDetails-Offeringid=759305.
Source: CCH HRAnswersNow; www.ifebp.org