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

Staff

Recommended Posts

The New Look of Virtual Care: What’s Right for Employers and Plan Sponsors?

Guest Contributor
 

Benefits Magazine Extras articles provide you with bonus content on a mix of benefits topics as well as deep dives and analyses on the latest benefit trends and compliance issues. Visit ifebp.org/benefitsmagazine to see the latest Benefits Magazine Extras as well as the bimonthly print […]

Ontario’s New Long-Term Illness Leave Takes Effect Soon: What Employers Need to Know

Amanda Wilke, CEBS
 

On December 19, 2024, Ontario’s Working for Workers Six Act, 2024 (Bill 229) received Royal Assent. Amongst the changes in the bill amending the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA), was the introduction of unpaid long-term illness leave, effective June 19, 2025. While the law […]

What Benefits Are Working? Attracting and Retaining Employees

Tyler Lloyd
 

In today’s work environment, organizations are looking for ways to improve employee retention and recruitment. Employee benefit offerings are an impactful tool, and organizations need to understand what employees value. Respondents to the International Foundation’s Employee Benefits Survey: 2024 Survey Report were […]

Workplace Accommodations: Compliance Issues and Tips 

Anne Newhouse, CEBS
 

Injuries and sicknesses resulting in disability and, potentially, time away from work happen to employees all the time requiring employers to develop a disability management process. This process is a series of coordinated stages to prevent, manage, and reduce workplace disabilities, alleviate […]