South Bend, Ind.-based Beacon Health System is one of five institutions facing a sex discrimination complaint from the National Women's Law Center, which has requested an investigation into the system's health benefits plan and pregnancy coverage, according to a South Bend Tribune report.
The NWLC claims Beacon excludes pregnancy coverage from the health insurance benefits provided to dependent children of Beacon employees, according to the report. The organization filed its complaint with HHS' Office for Civil Rights.
"Our message to Beacon and every institution providing health insurance in the country is that treating pregnancy differently, including by omitting it from health insurance coverage, is sex discrimination pure and simple and as such violates the law," NWLC Co-President Marcia D. Greenberger said, according to the report.
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act bars sex discrimination in healthcare programs that receive federal funds, like Medicare and Medicaid. It also requires that plans provide comprehensive coverage to women, including full coverage for gynecological and maternity care, on the same terms as other benefits.
Beacon issued a statement saying the coverage it offers follows standard health plan design and complies with state and federal laws as required for Employee Retirement Income Security Act plans, according to the report.
The NWLC also filed complaints against Auburn (Ala.) University, Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash., the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education in Harrisburg and research organization Battelle Memorial Institute in Columbus, Ohio.
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The NWLC claims Beacon excludes pregnancy coverage from the health insurance benefits provided to dependent children of Beacon employees, according to the report. The organization filed its complaint with HHS' Office for Civil Rights.
"Our message to Beacon and every institution providing health insurance in the country is that treating pregnancy differently, including by omitting it from health insurance coverage, is sex discrimination pure and simple and as such violates the law," NWLC Co-President Marcia D. Greenberger said, according to the report.
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act bars sex discrimination in healthcare programs that receive federal funds, like Medicare and Medicaid. It also requires that plans provide comprehensive coverage to women, including full coverage for gynecological and maternity care, on the same terms as other benefits.
Beacon issued a statement saying the coverage it offers follows standard health plan design and complies with state and federal laws as required for Employee Retirement Income Security Act plans, according to the report.
The NWLC also filed complaints against Auburn (Ala.) University, Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash., the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education in Harrisburg and research organization Battelle Memorial Institute in Columbus, Ohio.
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