Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) includes many techniques with varying success rates to treat infertility. One such technique, IVF (In Vitro Fertilization), has been at the forefront of the news since the birth of the world’s first IVF baby, Louise Brown, in the United Kingdom in 1978. Although cost has declined over the years, related expenses still pose an economic barrier for many potential parents. Treatment for infertility is not one of the ten essential benefits. Consequently, coverage for IVF is not mandated by the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) or any other federal law. It is left to the individual states to mandate coverage. Less than 20 states require some coverage – New York, New Jersey, and California to name a few (see link in ‘Learn More – Primary Sources’ for the current list). In February 2019, Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York proposed a mandate for IVF coverage that would apply to all large group insurers, while the coverage requirement for medically necessary egg freezing would apply to large, small and individual insurance providers. It is pending lawmakers’ approval.
US State-Level Infertility Insurance Mandates and Health Plan Expenditures on Infertility Treatments
Infertility Coverage by State.
Does the ACA require infertility treatment to be covered by health insurance?
IVF global histories, USA: between Rock and a marketplace
Medical egg freezing: How cost and lack of insurance cover impact women and their families
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