U.S. District Judge Brian Cogan in New York has ruled a group of Catholic organizations — including New York City-based ArchCare and Catholic Health Services of Long Island in Rockville Centre, N.Y. — do not have to provide their employees with contraception coverage under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, according to a Bloomberg Businessweek report.
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York, the health organizations and educational groups challenged the healthcare reform law's mandate, saying it violated their religious freedom. Although federal officials issued a rule exempting the archdiocese, schools and healthcare affiliates are still subject to the requirement beginning Jan. 1, according to the report. Those who don't comply with the mandate face fines of $100 per day for each affected beneficiary.
Under the PPACA, all group health plans and health insurance issuers must provide, without cost-sharing, reproductive preventive care including all FDA-approved contraceptive methods and services, as well as patient education and counseling.
Mr. Cogan ruled the Catholic institutions had shown the mandate applies substantial coercive pressure and compels them to perform acts that go against their religion, according to the report.
The mandate has faced numerous other court challenges. Last month, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the mandate may violate business owners' religious freedom. As of late November, approximately 40 for-profit companies had filed suits in lower courts challenging the provision on religious freedom grounds. The lower courts have been split on the issue, and the Supreme Court may take up the issue.
More Articles on the PPACA:
D.C. Circuit Court Backs Faith-Based Challenge to PPACA Contraception Mandate, Widening Split Among Courts
Catholic Bishops Say HHS Contraceptive Compromise Falls Short
Federal Judge Appeases Domino's Founder With Contraceptive Mandate Hold