On January 20, 2012, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a statement delaying the effective date of a rule requiring coverage of contraceptive services for religious employers. In August 2011, HHS issued an interim final rule that will require most health insurance plans to cover preventive services for women including recommended contraceptive services without charging a co-pay, co-insurance or a deductible. The rule allows certain non-profit religious employers that offer insurance to their employees the choice of whether or not to cover contraceptive services. This rule is consistent with the laws in a majority of states which already require contraception coverage in health plans. Beginning August 1, 2012, most new and renewed health plans will be required to cover these services without cost sharing for women across the country. Grandfathered plans are not subject to the regulations requiring preventive services to be covered with no cost-sharing provisions.
After evaluating comments, HHS has decided to add an additional element to the final rule. Nonprofit employers who, based on religious beliefs, do not currently provide contraceptive coverage in their insurance plan, will be provided an additional year, until August 1, 2013, to comply with the new law. Employers wishing to take advantage of the additional year must certify that they qualify for the delayed implementation. HHS intends to require employers that do not offer coverage of contraceptive services to provide notice to employees, which will also state that contraceptive services are available at sites such as community health centers, public clinics, and hospitals with income-based support.
