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 appliable legal requirements – 2%
Less than 1% said they are exploring a reduction in or elimination of covered abortion services.
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.
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%
For more information on the Post-Dobbs Employer Coverage: July 2022 Pulse Survey results, visit www.ifebp.org/dobbsimpact.
