A lot of current government health insurers don’t cover all the medical bills for fertility treatments. Because of that, government employees are finding that they have to pay out of pocket for many of the treatments that can help them create or expand their families. Reproductive health hasn’t been a talked-about topic in the past, and that’s made it easier for insurers to avoid it, too.

Now, though, the times are changing and that means more people are talking openly about reproductive health and procedures. Insurance companies are taking note of the demand for proper care, and for women who need assistance creating or adding to their families. Because insurers in other industries and various states are starting to offer more treatment options and cover more expenses, government health insurance may soon make a move in that same direction.

The White House’s Office of Personnel Management has stated that expanding coverage for reproductive treatments will be required for federal health insurance providers. Not only will these providers need to cover common procedures for infertility, but they’ll also be required to exercise more transparency about what they actually cover.

Nearly 40% of large employers in the United States have fertility coverage in their insurance plans, and there are fertility coverage laws for insurance providers in 20 states. The trend is moving in the right direction, but so far it hasn’t made its way to federal workers. That will change with the requirements to extend coverage, which is an important adjustment for many workers.

There are nearly eight million people getting coverage through the FEHB program that covers insurance for federal employees. Starting in 2024, this program will be required to cover artificial insemination procedures and any required medications that come with them.

While the insurance won’t be required to cover donor sperm, this is still a huge step for federal employees who’ve been unable to start or expand their families due to the high cost of assisted reproductive technology. For any employees that aren’t successful with artificial insemination, insurance will also cover three cycles of IVF per year.

The Surrogacy Law Center was established in 2012 and assists clients in reproductive law matters including gestational and traditional surrogacy as well as egg, sperm and embryo donation. Services include drafting and finalizing contracts, consulting with clients regarding their agreements, and establishing parentage for intended parents at the end of their surrogacy journeys. Contact us today to learn more!