“Dear Jim,
What a difference a day makes. As you may have heard, the White House announced a positive step forward to the recent comprehensive health care coverage debate. Catholics United has been calling for dialogue, and we are happy this outcome is even better than expected. Here's why:
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The religious exemption clause has been expanded. The exemption will now include all religious institutions opposed to providing contraceptive coverage in their insurance plans, including Catholic non-profits, hospitals, schools and universities.
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Insurance companies, not employers, will be required to reach out to employees if their employer’s insurance does not provide necessary services. This will ensure each employee has access to comprehensive health care coverage. This program will require no participation, no money and no referrals from Catholic employers. Religious institutions that object to providing contraception will be completely removed from this process as they may maintain a separate insurance plan according to their beliefs. In this way, it is even stronger than the so-called “Hawaii Compromise.”
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This decision takes the positive step of moving the responsibility of providing contraception from a religious institution to the insurance company. It is in the best interest of insurance companies to provide essential preventative services, many of which are far more inexpensive than treatment. If an employee wishes to obtain contraception, that person can do so, free of charge and of their own free will, directly through the insurance company.
Again, today is a good day for both our Catholic institutions and for expanding access to health care. Catholic institutions will be able to protect their religious liberty and address any concerns they may have about violations of conscience. Additionally, employees of all faiths will still receive quality access to preventative care. We see this willingness on the side of the President to seek a solution as a positive step in furthering respect for both religious liberty and access to comprehensive health care.
Sincerely,
James, Chris, Jason, Katie, and the rest of the Catholics United team.
PS -As always, if you want to share your thoughts on this topic, join the conversation on our blog at Our Daily Thread or on our UID>/facebook.com/CatholicsUnited">Facebook page.
Brought to you by Catholics United
P.O. Box 33524
Washington, DC 20033
United States”
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