r/HealthInsurance • u/sweetbabycoconut • Jul 28 '25

Employer/COBRA Insurance Insurance doesn’t cover contraceptives because they said they’re a Christian-based organization

i use birth control to stop my periods and when i called my insurance to check for coverage this morning they said they don’t cover contraceptives for religious reasons

the estimate from my provider is around $2000 without insurance so just double-checking about alternative routes i can take given that information

insurance is from virginia mason hospital & they switched to bcbsil from first choice this year if that’s relevant

25 in wa with a $25 wage

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u/jaygf77 Jul 28 '25

Did you speak with the carrier or with the employer? Virginia Mason is a Catholic hospital, so they probably don't cover contraceptives regardless of the reason. Most of these groups are self insured and have a religious waiver through the ACA for these types of service. In most cases, the ACA requires the carrier to still provide contraceptive coverage under a separate contraceptive plan through the carrier. If you speak with BCBSIL, they should be able to provide you with your contraceptive coverage.

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u/msprettybrowneyes Jul 28 '25

This is correct. I work for a Catholic hospital as well and I have a separate BCBS coverage for contraceptive.