WASHINGTON — The Obama administration yesterday proposed new rules to exempt religious organizations from the ObamaCare mandate that employee health plans include free contraceptives.
Women working for religious groups — charities, hospitals, universities — would still get free birth control. But it would be covered by a third-party insurer, and neither the employee nor the religious employer would have to pay for it. The rule did not specify who would pick up the cost.
It also remained unclear whether the compromise would stop numerous lawsuits from Roman Catholic charities and others morally opposed to birth control, who contend that the law violates their religious freedom.
The US Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Catholic Health Association, a hospital trade group, both declined to comment. They said they were studying the rules.
Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said the rule provided “women across the nation with coverage of recommended preventive care at no cost, while respecting religious concerns.”
Planned Parenthood applauded the compromise.
“This policy delivers on the promise of women having access to birth control without co-pays no matter where they work,” said Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards. “This policy makes it clear that your boss does not get to decide whether you can have birth control.”