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HHS finalizes ACA rules for women’s preventive services

Today, the Department of Health and Human Services issued final actions on preventative services coverage under the Affordable Care Act, which includes no-added cost access to contraception while allowing religious nonprofits to continue being exempt from covering such services, according to a press release.

“Women across the country should have access to preventive services, including contraception,” HHS Secretary, Sylvia M. Burwell, said in the release. “At the same time, we recognize deeply held views on these issues, and we are committed to securing women’s access to important preventive services at no additional cost under the Affordable Care Act, while respecting religious beliefs.”

Sylvia M. Burwell

The final rules allow nonprofit organizations, as well as closely held for-profit entities, that have religious objections to notify HHS, in writing, of their religious objections to covering contraceptive services. Prior to the new rules, eligible organizations were required to file a form with the Department of Labor and locate a third-party administrator to provide contraceptive services to enrollees.

Once HHS has been informed of an organization’s religious exemption, insurers and third-party administrators will be advised and will be responsible for providing alternative payments for contraceptive services. This will ensure that the organizations have no part in providing for these services, and enrollees will not have any additional out-of-pocket expense.