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ARLINGTON, Va., Aug. 11, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The number of U.S. employers offering travel benefits for abortion services is expected to double over the next few years following a Supreme Court decision. Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision, according to a new study by WTW (NASDAQ: WTW ), a leading global consulting, distribution and solutions company.
A survey of 305 US employers found that more than a third (35%) now offer travel and lodging benefits for elective and medically necessary abortions. Another 16 percent of employers plan to offer abortion travel benefits by 2023, while 21 percent are considering it.
About half (44%) of employers who offer or plan to offer travel benefits for abortion services or any other medical procedures (eg, transplants, bariatric and musculoskeletal surgery, gender confirmation, maternity services) because of the court’s decision, the survey found. They improved those benefits. Another 46% are planning to increase these benefits in the next year or so. Additionally, 86 percent of employers match travel and lodging benefits for abortion services with travel and lodging benefits.
Most plans place limits on abortion travel benefits, with annual caps being the most common approach. Among companies that offer or plan to offer travel benefits for abortion services, 43 percent have an annual limit, and 22 percent expect to impose a limit in the future. Among companies that offer or plan to offer abortion travel benefits, 28% have a lifetime limit, and 20% have a per-event limit. Two-thirds (64%) of employers limit expenses to the IRS tax exemption.
“As a new landscape of state laws emerges, many employers are deciding how and not to support employees seeking abortion services,” said Regina Ehrke, WTW’s senior director of health, equity and safety. “As always, their primary goal is to serve the needs of their benefit plan enrollees, regardless of state.”
Most employer and self-insured health plans cover abortion procedures. Among fully insured employers, 93% of companies expect to offer elective abortion coverage by 2023 in states where abortion is legal. Among employers that self-certify their benefit plans, 82% expect to offer elective abortion coverage by 2023 in states where abortion is legal.
” of Dobbs The decision raises questions for employers, who may not have immediate answers to the ongoing changes in state laws,” said Courtney Stubblefield, senior director of health and benefits, WTW. “Employers need to stay abreast of developments to align benefits with organizational goals and meet employee benefits needs.”
About the survey
In the year A total of 305 US employers participated in the August 2022 Post Dobbs Decision Survey. Respondents employ 4 million workers. More than half of respondents (55%) have only self-insured health plans, while 9% have only fully insured health plans. The remaining respondents have both plans.
About WTW
At WTW (NASDAQ: WTW ), we provide data-driven, insight-driven solutions in the areas of people, risk and capital. Leveraging the global perspective and local expertise of our colleagues serving 140 countries and markets, we help organizations improve their strategy, build organizational strength, empower their workforce and increase performance.
By working shoulder-to-shoulder with our clients, we uncover opportunities for sustainable success – and deliver a vision that drives you. Learn more at wwco.com.
Media Relations:
Ed Emmerman: +1 609 240 2766
eemerman@eaglepr.com
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