2018 Advocacy Day: Expanding Infertility Coverage for All

Shady Grove Fertility’s 2018 Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill rallied 200+ advocates to push for federal infertility treatment coverage, veteran IVF access, and refundable adoption tax credits. A new bipartisan bill mandates insurance coverage for infertility services, addressing the 44% of employers lacking such benefits.

Key Takeaways

New Federal Bill Mandates Infertility Treatment Coverage for Major Health Plans

The Access to Infertility Treatment and Care Act, introduced by Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro and Senator Cory Booker, requires health plans—including TRICARE and VA—to cover infertility treatments and fertility preservation. This addresses the 44% of employers with 500+ employees who currently exclude infertility services from insurance.

Permanent IVF Coverage for Injured Veterans Act Introduced

The Women Veterans and Families Health Services Act (S 700 & HR 1681) aims to make VA IVF coverage permanent for veterans injured in service. Kevin Jaye, a veteran who required 30+ surgeries but faced VA IVF denial, highlighted the need for consistent access for wounded service members.

Refundable Adoption Tax Credit Act to Aid Low-Income Families

Advocates pushed to make the Adoption Tax Credit refundable, enabling low- to moderate-income families to adopt. Over 100,000 children await adoption, yet current tax credits only benefit higher-earning families who itemize deductions.

Sustained NIH Research Funding Critical for Infertility Cures

Funding for the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) is essential for advancing research on PCOS, endometriosis, and other infertility causes. Advocates emphasized the need for continued federal support to improve diagnostic and treatment options.

U.S. Lags in Infertility Coverage Despite Global Recognition as Disease

While the WHO and AMA classify infertility as a disease, the U.S. remains behind most developed nations in treatment access. Doctors highlighted the absurdity of covering infertility diagnosis but not treatment, unlike for diabetes or heart disease.

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