HHS Reaffirms Reform Law’s Birth Control Coverage Rule
On Friday, HHS confirmed that most health insurers and employers by Aug. 1 must comply with a federal health reform law regulation to cover at no cost preventive services and contraceptives for women. The Obama administration rejected a request for a broad exemption by not-for-profit religious groups and employers that oppose birth control on religious grounds. However, such church-affiliated organizations will have additional time -- until Aug. 1, 2013 -- to comply with the requirement.
- "Obama Reaffirms Insurers Must Cover Contraception" (Pear, New York Times, 1/20).
- "Obama Administration Gives Groups More Time To Comply With Birth Control Rule" (Aizenman, Washington Post, 1/20).
- "U.S. Gives Church Groups a Year on Birth Control Rule" (Morgan, Reuters, 1/20).