Fact Sheet: Women’s Preventive Services and Religious Institutions (The White House)

A new fact sheet from the White House clarifies the benefits of the much-discussed contraception coverage legislation, claiming that the new law will save money for millions of Americans and ensure Americans nationwide get the high-quality care they need to stay healthy, while also maintaining religious liberty. Women will have access to preventive care measures including birth control regardless of where they work but religious institutions will not be required to pay for the care if it goes against their beliefs; for Catholic hospitals, universities and other institutions run by the Church, insurers will be required to reach out directly to employees to offer contraception coverage. The report concludes that providing this coverage is cost-neutral since it saves money  by keeping women healthy and preventing spending on other health services. One study even found that covering contraception saved employees $97 per year, per employee.