HHS: Contraception Coverage Rules Finalized

The Obama administration issued final rules today addressing the availability of contraceptive coverage to women who work for nonprofit religious organizations that object to contraception, according to an HHS news release. 

 

The new rule simplifies the definition of religious employer and accommodates nonprofit religious institutions that are not houses of worship. 

 

Under the final rule, a nonprofit religious institution can notify its insurance provider that it objects to providing contraception coverage. The insurer must then notify female enrollees that it will be providing them with no-cost contraception as long as they remain on that insurance plan. 

 

The administration feels that the new rules, available in full here, are in line with its goals of respecting religious freedoms and expanding contraception availability for women.