Catholic Health Association Accepts Obama Administration Compromise On Contraceptive Coverage Mandate

AP reports that the Catholic Health Association (CHA)-- the umbrella group for 600 Catholic hospitals and 1400 other Catholic health facilities-- has concluded that it can accept the Obama administration's compromise under the Affordable Care Act on contraceptive coverage for employees.  The compromise as set out in final rules issued on June 28 provides that religiously sponsored hospitals and similar facilities will not need to arrange or pay for coverage to which they object. Instead coverage will be separately provided to employees directly from insurance companies and plan administrators. In its statement, CHA acknowledged that its position is more accepting of the compromise that the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has been. (USCCB July 3 statement).