Many current government health insurers do not cover all medical bills for fertility treatments. Because of that, government employees find that they have to pay out of pocket for many of the treatments that help them create or expand their families. Reproductive health has not been a hot topic in the past, and it has made it easier for insurers to avoid it as well.
Now, however, times are changing and that means more people are talking openly about reproductive health and procedures. Insurance companies consider the need for proper care, and for women who need help creating or adding to their families. As insurers in other industries and different states begin to offer more treatment options and cover more costs, government health insurance may take a step in the same direction.
The White House Office of Personnel Management has announced that expanding coverage for reproductive treatments is necessary for federal health insurance providers. Not only will these providers need to cover common infertility procedures, but they will also need 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 has not reached federal workers. That will change with requirements to expand coverage, which is an important adjustment for many workers.
There are about eight million people who get 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 necessary medications that accompany them.
Although insurance will not be required to cover donor sperm, it is still a big step for federal employees who are unable to start or expand their families due to the high cost of assisted reproductive technology. For any employee who is unsuccessful with artificial insemination, the 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 about their agreements, and establishing paternities for intended parents at the end of their surrogacy journeys. Contact us today to learn more!
