Search
 
Analysis

How the Dobbs Decision Will Impact Benefit Plans and Sponsors

In a year already marked by overwhelming legislative and regulatory change, group health plans now must address abortion coverage in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Org.

By Greg Ash & Laura Fischer | July 21, 2022 at 09:45 AM

In a year already marked by overwhelming legislative and regulatory change, group health plans now must address yet another issue—abortion coverage in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Org. The court overruled Roe v. Wade, eliminating the constitutional right to abortion and leaving states free to regulate the procedure—and health plan sponsors wondering what to do next.

The Dobbs decision, and the actions of state legislatures in reaction to it, will have significant repercussions for benefit plan sponsors. The issues range from the more obvious, such as how group health plans may provide coverage for abortion services, to the more opaque, such as whether employers may provide excludable reimbursements for abortion-related travel expenses and whether participants may be reimbursed for such expenses through health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs). There are more questions at this point than answers.

Two factors that will significantly affect a plan sponsor’s options are whether the plan is subject to ERISA and whether it is self-funded or fully insured.

Complete your profile to continue reading and get FREE access to Treasury & Risk, part of your ALM digital membership.

Your access to unlimited Treasury & Risk content isn’t changing.
Once you are an ALM digital member, you’ll receive:

  • Critical Treasury & Risk information including in-depth analysis of treasury and finance best practices, case studies with corporate innovators, informative newsletters, educational webcasts and videos, and resources from industry leaders.
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM and Treasury & Risk events.
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including PropertyCasualty360.com and Law.com.

Already have an account?

 

Recommended Stories

Employer Considerations in a Post-Roe Environment

Employer Considerations in a Post-Roe Environment

Michael Hepburn, Bonnie Burke, Laura Taylor, Deepa Menon, and Catherine Beaver |

Here's what employers need to consider regarding employment law, medical plan coverage, and employee privacy.

Treasury & Risk

Join Treasury & Risk

Don’t miss crucial treasury and finance news along with in-depth analysis and insights you need to make informed treasury decisions. Join Treasury & Risk now!

  • Free unlimited access to Treasury & Risk including case studies with corporate innovators, informative newsletters, educational webcasts, and resources from industry leaders.
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM and Treasury & Risk events.
  • Access to other award-winning ALM publications including PropertyCasualty360.com and Law.com.

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join Treasury & Risk

Copyright © 2022 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.