26% of Employers Exploring Expansion of Covered Abortion Services

Brookfield, WI—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.

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The International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans is the premier educational organization dedicated to providing the diverse employee benefits community with objective, solution-oriented education, research and information to ensure the health and financial security of plan beneficiaries worldwide. The Foundation has more than 31,000 multiemployer, corporate and public sector members representing over 25 million lives. For additional information, visit www.ifebp.org.

Members of the media can obtain a complimentary copy of the report by contacting [email protected].