A school operated by a religious group offers its students a health plan that doesn’t meet federal standards—in part because it does not cover most birth control expenses. The kicker is, the university doesn’t object to Obamacare based on religious beliefs, but rather on personal choice.

However, religious objections or not, students at Brigham Young University still may face fines at tax time for failing to acquire health insurance that meets minimum federal standards.

It’s an odd situation, given the religion-based battles over birth control requirements in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. One more example of the complexities of rolling out an plan to ensure every American has health insurance.

The Washington Times reported that the university is sticking by its refusal to include most birth control expenses in its student health coverage. It refused the offer of an extension to comply with the act; the extension ended Aug. 31, the Times reported, with no compliance action by BYU.

Personal choice is simply not up for discussion in Salt Lake City, said BYU spokesman Todd Hollingshead. “That’s not something that we’re going to weigh in on and be involved in as an individual choice.”

Some students may qualify for exemptions from the fines, the Times said, but most apparently will face fines if they stay with the school’s coverage.

Instant Insights /

BYU refuses to bring health plan into PPACA compliance

More From HR Executive

Related Stories

Recommended For You