California is considering a new bill that could provide people needing fertility care with insurance coverage options to help them expand their families. That would include IVF and other infertility treatments. The bill has already passed the California Senate, and will now move on to the House.

A big concern for the majority of people who are considering fertility treatments is the cost. For some, they must save for months or years for one round of IVF, which isn’t always successful. Others aren’t able to save enough for this procedure, and are left unable to start or expand their families at all.

Providing help and support for underserved populations is particularly important when it comes to infertility issues, as those are the people who are least likely to have the funds for fertility treatments. The World Health Organization has even declared being able to build a family as a basic human right.

The bill, if it passes and becomes law, will help couples who struggle with infertility, gay men and others in the LGBTQ+ community, and many other individuals. It will also benefit people who froze their eggs in the past due to illnesses and diseases. The cost of the plan would translate to around 72 cents per month per insurance policy member to cover nine million enrollees that would be eligible for infertility coverage.

Some people are opposed to the changes, including the California Association of Health Plans. The main argument from the opposition is that the bill would be too expensive, driving up the cost for small business owners who don’t (or can’t) self-insure, as well as increasing costs for California taxpayers as a whole.

Whether the bill will pass remains to be seen, but it’s creating a lot of hope and interest for people who would benefit from it. If the bill becomes law, more couples and others who want to start or grow their families will have the insurance coverage options they need for fertility treatments like IVF, along with additional opportunities in the future.

We aim to provide our clients with a straightforward breakdown of what might seem to be a complicated and daunting process so that they can enjoy the beautiful experience of bringing a child into the world through assisted reproductive technology. Contact us today to learn more!