Catholic HMOs Lag on Reproductive Health.

• Position: Brief Article

The first-ever survey of the nation's Catholic HMOs, conducted by Catholics for a Free Choice, Washington, D.C., has found that, despite protests by many Catholic hospitals and employers that it would violate the Church's teaching to provide coverage for contraceptive services, many Catholic managed care plans cover contraception and other reproductive health services. A total of 25 Catholic managed care plans--52% of the plans CFFC surveyed--are covering at least one form of contraception, while 23 plans (48%) are doing so for tubal ligations.

"This study clearly demonstrates that Catholic institutions do not need exemptions from providing contraceptive coverage or other services such as tubal ligations in order to be true to Catholic teachings," indicates CFFC president Frances Kissling. "It provides concrete evidence that there is room within the legitimate interpretation of Catholic teaching for church institutions to provide contraceptives. Many Catholic HMOs throughout the country have found a way to include contraceptive coverage in their plans and contracts. In Missouri, Mercy Health Plans covers contraception for enrollees through a...