Walgreens will reimburse lots of of its employees for vacation fees if they have to venture extra than 50 miles for an abortion, the organization claimed Wednesday — a transfer that follows a U.S. Supreme Court docket determination final 7 days ending federal defense for abortion.
Deerfield-primarily based Walgreens is “broadening our present journey reimbursement benefits” for any worker who is coated by the company’s self-funded health insurance policy to let travel reimbursement for lined clinical, surgical, psychological or substance abuse services not obtainable in just 50 miles of the worker’s residence, spokesman Jim Cohn stated in a assertion.
The firm previously reimbursed workers for travel expenses associated to some out-of-point out wellness care expert services, and abortion will now be amid people.
“Ensuring complete access to each actual physical and mental wellness treatment, listening to our workforce to comprehend their wants, and prioritizing the wellness and properly-getting of our crew members are main ideas that drive how we operate and make selections as an corporation,” Cohn claimed.
Walgreens has almost 9,000 retailers in the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and employs far more than 225,000 folks.
The retail pharmacy giant joins a increasing record of firms that are now promising to pay out for abortion-connected travel fees for personnel. Companies have been announcing the new guidelines about the past week, due to the fact the U.S. Supreme Court reversed Roe v. Wade, indicating states may possibly now outlaw abortion. Illinois leaders have pledged that the point out will continue being a protected haven for individuals trying to get the procedure.
Executives at Bolingbrook-based mostly Ulta Natural beauty explained the company would supply vacation cost assistance for “eligible reproductive wellness solutions where by obtain to care is restricted,” such as authorized abortions. The coverage took influence Friday, the exact day as the Supreme Courtroom ruling, in accordance to a company statement.
JPMorgan Chase will also go over travel to receive authorized abortions, in accordance to a business rewards memo sent June 1.
The Walt Disney Co., Facebook mother or father Meta, American Express, Lender of The united states and Goldman Sachs have also stated they will include travel fees for staff. Apple, Starbucks, Lyft and Yelp reiterated following Friday’s ruling past statements having similar action. Outdoor garments maker Patagonia posted on LinkedIn Friday that it would give “training and bail for these who peacefully protest for reproductive justice” and time off to vote.