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.