In summary
IVF treatments often cost tens of thousands of dollars, making it too expensive for families without insurance coverage.
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IVF births are becoming more accessible to many Californians after Gov. Gavin Newsom today signed legislation requiring certain health insurance companies to cover infertility treatments.
In vitro fertilization is a process in which eggs are removed from the ovaries and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory. The fertilized egg, or embryo, is then implanted into the uterus. This process can be stressful and emotional. It’s also expensive. Treatment costs tens of thousands of dollars, leaving some people unable to receive treatment or left with debt.
California’s move to cover in vitro fertilization comes after four similar bills stalled in Congress in the past five years. At least 14 other states already require IVF coverage.
Newsom’s signature comes after IVF emerged as an issue in the presidential election and after a controversial court ruling in Alabama jeopardized people’s access to fertility treatment.
“California is a state of reproductive freedom,” Newsom said in a written statement. “As a national leader in increasing access to reproductive health care and protecting patients and health care providers, including those who have been assaulted in other states, I am committed to ensuring that fertility and IVF rights are protected in California. I want to be clear that this is not the case in many other states.”
Senate Bill 729 would require large group health plans, or employers covering at least 100 people, to provide coverage for infertility diagnosis and treatment. This includes up to three egg retrievals and unlimited embryo transfers.
The law applies to about 9 million Californians enrolled in large, state-regulated group health plans. The new law does not apply to people who obtain health insurance from a religious employer or enroll in Medi-Cal.
The law is scheduled to take effect in July 2025 for most recipients and in July 2027 for public employees who receive health benefits from the California Public Employees’ Retirement System.
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Approximately 1 in 8 couples experience infertility problems. In 2019, just over 2% of births in Japan were due to infertility treatment.
The new law also expanded the definition of infertility to include same-sex couples. Sen. Caroline Menjivar, a Van Nuys Democrat and author of the bill, said making intrauterine insemination and in vitro fertilization more accessible and affordable is key to achieving reproductive equity for LGBTQ+ people. He said there is.
According to an analysis of this proposal, the out-of-pocket costs for each round of IVF could be close to $20,000. Some women may require multiple rounds.
IVF is an economically difficult choice for California families
In supporting the bill, Menjivar said she and her partner would have to decide what to do with their savings — whether to start a family or put the money toward a down payment on a home. They chose the house.
California law now requires insurance companies to provide coverage for typically inexpensive infertility treatments, including diagnostic tests, medications, and surgeries. It is up to employers to decide whether to cover these treatments. Some people don’t.
Earlier this year, an Alabama court ruling thrust IVF into the political spotlight. The court ruled that frozen embryos created through in vitro fertilization are considered children. Therefore, accidentally destroying an embryo amounts to wrongful death of a minor. As a result, some clinics have suspended their services and access to IVF in the state has been restricted.
Additionally, the U.S. Supreme Court shifted to the right regarding abortion and reproductive health under the administration of former President Donald Trump, and in vitro fertilization received increased attention in the presidential election. President Trump is running again, saying he supports requiring the government and insurance companies to pay for in vitro fertilization.
Access to reproductive health care in California
California Democrats have supported policies to expand access to abortion since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. Supporters of the IVF law said it is another example of expanding reproductive health care to California families.
“Ultimately, it’s about your ability to decide when and whether to start a family. That includes making the decision that you’re not yet ready or that you’re ready. ” said Rep. Buffy Wicks, an Oakland Democrat and co-author. The bill was announced at a press conference last month. Wicks revealed that her second child was the result of in vitro fertilization, but similar proposals have been made in the past few years without success.
Learn more about the legislators mentioned in this article.
Price has long been a major sticking point for the bill. A legislative analysis of the bill estimates that the new mandate would increase insurance premiums for state employees and cost the state up to $80 million in the first two years.
Health insurance companies opposed the measure. The California Chamber of Commerce also opposed the bill, saying health insurance costs are already the largest expense for businesses.
Supported by the California Healthcare Foundation (CHCF). The foundation works to ensure people have access to the care they need, when they need it, at an affordable price. For more information, please visit www.chcf.org.
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