How did the federal accommodation for religious nonprofit organizations work under the contraceptive mandate?

Under the federal accommodation for religious nonprofit organizations regarding the contraceptive mandate, the process functioned through a self-certification mechanism.1

When a religious nonprofit organization held a sincere religious objection to providing coverage for certain contraceptive methods, it was required to self-certify its opposition to those specific services. Upon the submission of this certification, the organization’s insurance provider became legally obligated to pay the full cost of the contraceptive services for the employees.1

In the Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc. decision, the Supreme Court noted that this existing accommodation served the government's interests while avoiding a substantial burden on the religious exercise of the objecting organizations. The Court highlighted this mechanism as an example of a less-restrictive means the government could have utilized to achieve its goals without forcing for-profit employers to violate their religious beliefs.1