HHS Last Resort?

[dimentichisimai]

Wasn’t sure which forum to post this in but…

Let’s say that the worst case scenario happens with the HHS Mandate and the Supreme Court rules that Catholic Colleges and other non-houses of worship have to provide contraception, sterilization, etc. in their health insurance plans.

My question is, could these institutions get around it by “providing” these services in their insurance plans, but then require their employees to sign something saying that they’d be terminated if they purchased any of these services through the health insurance plan?

I’m thinking there are some privacy issues here, but could an employment contract be drafted that would wave a tiny portion of that privacy? Then, a college or hospital would simply be notified that their employee had purchased something that breached the contract, and the institution could fire that employee.

Obviously there are bugs to this situation, and yes, I realize that we’re fighting for religious liberty here, but I only ask if this could be a viable last resort rather than shutting down Catholic hospitals and colleges or violating consciences.

 

[losh14]

Assuming the contraception coverage mandate passes and the Supreme Court sides with the HHS…

My question is, could these institutions get around it by “providing” these services in their insurance plans, but then require their employees to sign something saying that they’d be terminated if they purchased any of these services through the health insurance plan?

Doubtful. The provision is moot - upon termination, insurance coverage ends. Think of a case where an employer requires an employee to resign if a health cost is incurred that is above a certain threshold - this would not stand, either.

It’s also making an immoral situation worse by denying a laborer access to employment because of doing what is legal but sinful.

I’m thinking there are some privacy issues here, but could an employment contract be drafted that would wave a tiny portion of that privacy? Then, a college or hospital would simply be notified that their employee had purchased something that breached the contract, and the institution could fire that employee.

I think that’s a minor issue in comparison.

Obviously there are bugs to this situation, and yes, I realize that we’re fighting for religious liberty here, but I only ask if this could be a viable last resort rather than shutting down Catholic hospitals and colleges or violating consciences.

I’d prefer other intervening steps - including open defiance to the law, or asking for specific contraception coverage networks (much like states now have pharmaceutical plans open to all state residents) that do not receive premiums from the employer in order to avoid having to provide this coverage.