The departments of Health and Human Services, Treasury, and Labor on Dec. 23, 2024, withdrew a February 2023 proposed rule that would have expanded access to contraceptive services under the Affordable Care Act [ACA, P.L. 111-148 (PDF) and P.L. 111-152(PDF)]. The rule would have expanded access to contraceptives by eliminating the exemption for objections based on nonreligious grounds and would have created a workaround (termed the individual contraceptive arrangement) to provide coverage for individuals covered by plans subject to a religious exemption.
The agencies cited a need to focus time and resources on alternative matters and a need to further consider the proposals made due to the volume and depth of comments received as the reasons for withdrawing the proposals. The AAMC had previously commented in support of the proposed rule [refer to Washington Highlights, April 7, 2024].
- Washington Highlights