Reproductive healthcare toolkit for employers

Steps for small business owners to support employees’ access to reproductive healthcare

The goal of this resource toolkit is to empower small business owners and their employees by providing comprehensive and accessible information on reproductive healthcare resources. Small Business Majority polling reveals that access to reproductive health is essential to the economic security of women entrepreneurs and that women entrepreneurs are concerned about how a lack of access to reproductive health impacts their employees and their communities. By offering practical guidance, up-to-date resources and supportive policies, small employers can foster a workplace culture that respects and promotes reproductive health access.

1. Educate and empower your workforce

Provide comprehensive, factual and easy-to-understand information on reproductive health to employees. You can distribute informational pamphlets, host educational seminars and offer access to online resources that cover topics such as contraception options, fertility, prenatal care and menopause.

Resources

Planned Parenthood

• Offers advocacy and resources on reproductive health rights and access to healthcare
• Provides educational materials and legal guidance for employees and employers

Reproductive Health Access Project

• Offers resources, training and educational materials accessible to the general public
• Focuses on contraception, miscarriage care, and abortion care, aiming to dispel myths and provide accurate information

MyHealthFinder

• A tool from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that provides personalized recommendations for preventive services and screenings
• Offers clear, actionable health advice based on age, sex and pregnancy status

2. Enhance healthcare access and benefits

If your small business offers health insurance, you can take steps to ensure your healthcare plans cover comprehensive reproductive health services and guide employees on accessing these benefits. And if your small business is unable to afford a group plan, there are still resources available to your employees.

Resources

Venturize

• Powered by Small Business Majority, Venturize provides a wealth of resources about how to navigate healthcare options for small businesses, including information about group plans and the individual marketplace. 

National Patient Advocate Foundation (NPAF)

• Provides assistance and guidance on navigating health insurance, understanding benefits, and accessing care
• Offers a Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) that helps patients deal with insurance, job retention, and debt crisis matters 

Local Clinics and Community Health Centers

Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)

• Provide comprehensive healthcare services regardless of the patient's ability to pay, including primary care, reproductive health services, mental health and more 
• Local Health Departments
• Provide public health services including maternal and child health services and reproductive health programs
• Often offer sliding scale fees based on income

HealthCare.gov

If your small business is unable to offer health insurance, many employees are eligible for financial assistance through the individual marketplace. It's important to know that plans sold through the health insurance marketplace must cover contraceptive methods and counseling for all women, as prescribed by a healthcare provider, as well as preventative care.

3. Develop supportive workplace policies

Create and implement workplace policies that support reproductive health and accommodate related needs. Explore policies for parental leave, flexible working arrangements and specific accommodations for reproductive health needs.

Resources

Equal Employer Opportunity Commission

• Provides guidelines on compliance with laws related to workplace accommodations for health needs
• Offers resources on preventing discrimination and ensuring equal opportunities for all employees

Reproductive and Maternal Health Compass

• Offers a first-of-its-kind, comprehensive performance standard for employers to measure their reproductive and maternal health benefit offerings.

National Partnership for Women and Families

• Provides policy guidelines and best practices for creating supportive work environments, including paid family and medical leave
• Offers case studies and model policies to help businesses develop effective support systems 

Venturize

• Provides information on state paid family and medical leave insurance programs that may help your business facilitate access to this benefit
• Offers tips on additional workplace benefits that can support your employees' health and caregiving needs

Download this list of resources along with some advocacy tips by Small Business Majority below: