California has enacted a new law that significantly expands access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) for millions of residents. Starting on January 1, 2024, large group health insurers in the state are mandated to cover fertility preservation and IVF services. This legislation aims to address the challenges faced by couples and individuals experiencing infertility, impacting approximately 9 million Californians.
The law redefines infertility within state statutes, ensuring that same-sex couples and single individuals can also receive fertility benefits. This change eliminates previous exemptions that restricted access based on relationship status. However, the law does not extend to those with insurance through religious employers, federally regulated plans, or Medi-Cal.
Senator Caroline Menjivar, a Democrat from Van Nuys and the bill’s author, expressed her pride in the legislation, stating, “I want this bill on my tombstone. This impacts so many people from single people to heterosexual couples.” Menjivar, who identifies as lesbian, noted the personal significance of the law, highlighting the financial burdens many LGBTQ individuals face when seeking fertility treatments.
The financial strain of IVF can be overwhelming. A survey conducted in 2010 indicated that the average cost for a single round of IVF was $24,000, with some successful pregnancies totaling around $61,000 after multiple cycles. Recent estimates suggest costs have increased since then, with some clinics quoting prices between $30,000 and $39,000 per cycle.
Megan Meo, 36, shared her experience with infertility, stating, “It’s strange when my body isn’t working to do a thing it was made for. It hurts me at my core.” Meo and her husband have been trying to conceive for two years, facing numerous challenges due to her infertility related to uterine scarring from a previous miscarriage. She expressed relief at the prospect of insurance coverage, which can alleviate both emotional and financial burdens.
“Infertility is a disease and it should be covered by insurance like any other disease or ailment people have,”
said Alise Powell, director of government affairs with RESOLVE: The National Fertility Association. She emphasized that cost remains the primary barrier preventing many from accessing necessary care. Despite previous legislative efforts, Congress has repeatedly rejected proposals requiring insurers to cover fertility services.
The new law marks California as the 15th state to mandate such coverage for state-regulated plans. Advocates anticipate that small group insurers will soon be required to offer similar benefits pending federal approval of a separate regulatory process.
Jamie Falls, 44, has been trying to conceive for eleven years and took out a loan to afford IVF, which ultimately did not result in a pregnancy. “I can’t picture myself not being a mom,” Falls remarked, reflecting on her long and difficult journey. While insurance coverage provides hope, the emotional toll of her experience has been significant.
Many individuals facing infertility grapple with unexplained diagnoses. Sarah Jolly, 39, has been trying to conceive for five years. After undergoing various tests, she and her husband found no clear answers. Ultimately, Jolly discovered she has endometriosis, a condition that can contribute to infertility, contrary to what previous medical opinions suggested. She noted the frustrations of navigating the healthcare system, stating, “It feels like a punch in the face that I wasn’t expecting.”
As California implements this groundbreaking legislation, it represents a significant shift towards inclusivity in reproductive health. The law aims to support a diverse array of families and individuals, ensuring that access to fertility treatments is no longer limited by financial constraints or discriminatory policies.
