Legal Question regarding Health Insurance?

Question

My wife is employed by a catholic hospital.

Our health insurance is through her employer (through Blue Cross Blue Shields).

The insurance company is ready to cover a certain elective procedure, but my wife's employer says that they are Catholic and do not believe in that specific procedure and are blocking coverage.

Is this legally possible i.e. can an employer force their religious beliefs on an employee in that way in terms of denying coverage?

Answer 1

Unfortunately, I think they can but only if they treat all such matters in the same way and do not discriminate.

You can always spend just a little money and get an attorney's opinion on this though.

Answer 2

Yes. They can. It is most certainly legal. Most catholic hospital chains do not provide coverage for family planning, birth-control (rx or devices), abortions (elective or medically necessary), InVitro, GIFT, ZIFT, Artificial Insemination, genetic testing related to fertility services, etc.

If its not covered, its not covered.

Good Luck

Answer 3

This would probably be easily answered by your state's Insurance Commissioner's Office, as laws vary by state.

Answer 4

Being that it's an elective procedure I think they can,

Answer 5

I wouldn't think so but maybe.  Some Lawyers do a free consultation, call and get one.

Answer 6

not too sure. Heard of Dr.'s not doing procedures in particular hospitals b/c of the hospital's religious "standing/choice" (catholic,presbyterian,seventh day adventists,etc)