October 3, 2022

Confusion over Abortion Coverage Persists even in Deep Blue States

               

When the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade earlier this summer it seemed as if lines in the sand had been drawn between deep blue states such as New York or California, where abortion would remain legal, and access to it protected further, and states such as Texas, bent on ever more restrictive laws proscribing or outright banning the practice. But in an odd twist, some workers in those deep blue states are realizing that their health insurance may not cover the practice.

This is what Gothamist reported on in August when it learned that workers who are living in New York, but may be employed by a company in a state where abortion is banned, may not be covered by their health care provider. In one example, someone who works for a New York-based non-profit learned that because her company utilizes a novel “co-employment” scheme with a company based in Texas, she is not covered for the routine procedure except in the case of serious risk to the mother. 

Co-employment is a cost-cutting measure, where another company “adopts” employees as their own. The practice is not the only thing complicating abortion access. Many companies that have employees in multiple states can purchase health insurance outside of New York, thereby not having to comply with New York coverage laws.

These stories have highlighted issues that have become more relevant since remote work really took off with the pandemic. It also brought to the fore the knowledge that New York State still has many areas in which it can improve no-cost abortion access to all citizens, something that both Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams have prioritized since the Dobbs decision. 

Remote Work Allows More Women with Children Remain Employed

November 20, 2023
No items found.
Researchers are piecing together the effects of the pandemic on work life, one being the increase in employment of women with children due to remote work opportunities.

Breaking Down the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act

November 13, 2023
Pregnancy Discrimination
The federal Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) has gone into effect and aims to require covered employers to provide “reasonable accommodations” for pregnant people.

Berke-Weiss Law Recognized by Super Lawyers for Legal Excellence in 2023

November 2, 2023
Berke-Weiss Law in the News
Berke-Weiss Law is excited to announce that Laurie Berke-Weiss, Alex Berke, and Rosa Aliberti have been selected to the 2023 New York-Metro: Women’s Edition Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.

Get In Touch

Knowing where to turn in legal matters can make a big difference. Contact our employment lawyers to determine if we can help you.