Complete Overview of Privacy Rights in View of Roe v. Wade

 

To our Valuable Members, Clients and Benefit Consultants:

We have begun hearing from our important partners regarding the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization dramatically and rapidly alters the landscape of abortion access in the U.S. The court on June 24 ruled 6-3 to uphold a Mississippi law that would ban abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy, but also to overturn the nearly half-century precedent set in Roe v. Wade that guaranteed the constitutional right to an abortion. With the Dobbs decision, states have the ability to set their own restrictions, so where people live will determine their level of access to abortion. 

Your LegalEASE team understands how impactful and personal this decision is to everyone.  We know this decision evokes strong emotions and will require women and corporations to make very important, possibly life changing decisions.

These are not simple times and answers to the multitude of questions and situations which will arise are still being discussed and reviewed at both the federal and state levels.

We thank you for the trust you put in us to serve you, our members, and the legal community. 

A big part of that trust you place in us, includes ensuring that when difficult questions arise we are prepared  to provide answers, develop strategies, and direct you to coverage that protects the most vulnerable and underserved members of the communities we serve.

Our corporate counsel, Courtney Moser, our CEO, Bob Heston (the only Legal Plan CEO who is also an attorney) and Jason Krouse (another attorney on our executive team) are meeting daily to review opinions, state laws, and available updates to help educate our entire service teams.

A couple of thoughts on how the LegalEASE plan can help, while we are still working through the lack of clarity on this decision.

 

Answering Important HR, Member and Benefit Professional questions:

  • We ask our HR/Benefit Partners to communicate directly with a member of the Account Management Team.  Your account management team is working with our legal team to ensure we are prepared for your questions.
  • We ask our Benefit Professional partners, to speak with your sales partner to discuss your concerns and ask your questions.

 

We believe the best defensive strategy is Education:

Members who have questions can call the LegalEASE member service advocate 800 line to get connected with a local attorney who is prepared to provide a free 30-minute consultation.

Common Questions:

  • What are my rights as a property owner?
  • What are my hospital visitation rights?
  • What happens if someone passes without a Will?

 Please be sure to share the LegalCorner URL with your team.

Please let your account manager know if you want a LegalEASE marketing piece which is specific to the LegalCorner for you to email to your employees.

The Legal Corner is available to all employees (members and nonmembers) and is a great online tool for all employees to visit where they can find information on common legal questions, DIY legal projects, and an attorney network. 

Both Members and Non-Members can view the attorney network and select an attorney to contact for a free, 30-minute consultation.  Members the would receive the benefits under the policy for their legal matter and Non-Members would receive a 15% discount off normal fees.

 

We also believe Preparation is of paramount importance:

We are hopeful additional Members will take advantage of the included Will, Trust, Living Will, and Medical Power of Attorney in their plan.

Please let your account manager know if you want a LegalEASE email brochure which is specific to the creation of an Estate Plan.

 

Adding and Highlighting Benefits Protecting Employees:

 As we continue to listen to our members, LegalEASE has been active in filing and adding new benefits, some of which could become even more important following the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision:

  • Egg/Sperm/Embryo Donation Agreements
  • Egg/Embryo Storage Agreements
  • Surrogacy Agreements
  • Child Custody and Support Disputes – between unmarried parents
  • Guardianship Matters
  • Hospital Visitation Rights
  • Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements
  • Administrative Hearing Representation

LegalEASE Corporate Counsel, Courtney Moser, and our CEO, Bob Heston, will continue to meet daily, focusing on any updates and impacts of this decision. We will be working with our service teams to ensure they have the most up to date information on how our plan is able to provide assistance and new ways to ensure employees have access to the best legal representation available.

 We thank you for your trust.