Action Items Plan Sponsors Should Consider in the Wake of the U.S. Supreme Court Dobbs Decision on Abortion

Summary

On June 24, 2022, in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the U.S. Constitution does not protect the right to obtain an abortion. While reactions to the opinion vary widely, employers who sponsor group health plans should consider the potential impact of the ruling soon, as participants may have questions about the scope of abortion coverage under their group health plans and, depending on state law, their ability to legally provide coverage for abortion related services may be limited. Plan sponsors should work with employee benefits counsel to review changes to state law, potential plan document changes, travel and lodging benefits, relocation benefits, privacy and safety concerns, as well as potential new federal guidance.