For self-insured religious organizations, which were not addressed in the Feb. 10 accommodation, the notice outlined several possible approaches to having a “third-party administrator” assume responsibility for the coverage.
These suggestions included using revenue from drug rebates and service fees, credit from a reinsurance program, funds from a private non-profit organization or a contract between the Office of Personnel Management and an insurer offering a multi-state plan.
Over the next 90 days, the administration will be seeking feedback from the public through comments, all of which will be made available to the public.
After the comment period ends, the process will involve the Obama administration creating a series of rules, leading to a final rule that will be entered in the Federal Register.
The notice said that information is also being requested about the number of insurance issuers, religious organizations, plan participants and beneficiaries that would potentially be affected by the accommodation, as well as the average cost and savings of providing contraceptive coverage.
In addition, it said, the administration is seeking input on whether an exemption or accommodation should be extended to health instance issuers or third-party administrators who object to the coverage on religious grounds.
Finally, the notice observed that many states with similar mandates include wide exemptions for religious employers.
It explained that in states where religious exemptions are currently broader than the final federal regulations, “the exemptions will be narrowed to align with that in the final regulations because this will help more consumers.”
Michelle La Rosa is deputy editor-in-chief of Catholic News Agency. She has worked for CNA since 2011. She studied political philosophy and journalism at the University of Dallas.