On August 1, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued an "interim final rule" that will require virtually all private health plans to include coverage for all FDA-approved prescription contraceptives, sterilization procedures, and related "patient education and counseling for all women with reproductive capacity." These are listed among "preventive services for women" that all health plans will have to include without co-pays or other cost-sharing -- regardless of whether the insurer, the employer or other plan sponsor, or even the woman herself objects to such coverage. (emphases are mine)Seriously?
I feel as if we're in A Brave New World and it ain't a feelin' I like.
I discovered this because our church bulletin had an insert produced by the USCCB about it. (Thank you!)
Go find out more at the USCCB site, including:
- the pdf for that bulletin insert
- an easy way to send a letter opposing this rule to HHS
- an easy way to send letters of support for the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act (HR-1179).
I just got done doing all this and it didn't take very long.
Please take a few minutes and speak up.
