Senate Passes Senator Phillips’ Bill To Require Insurance Companies To Cover In Vitro Fertilization & Fertility Preservation Treatments

Senator Elaine Phillips announced that the New York State Senate has passed her bill requiring insurance coverage of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other fertility preservation treatments in New York State.

“With thousands of families across the state facing infertility issues, this measure will ease the financial burden attached to starting a family,” Senator Phillips said. “For too long, individuals reached the brink of financial ruin in the attempt of pursuing their dream of having children. I applaud my colleagues for passing this measure that is not only a win for families and women, but makes New York more family friendly.”

The measure, S.8441b, mirrored after the current state plan, would require medical insurance policies to provide a maximum lifetime limit of $50,000 coverage for the treatment of infertility for in-vitro fertilization for women ages 21-44 and standard fertility preservation services when medically necessary.  

“In addition to assisting those with infertility – the measure will aid those in need of fertility preservation,” Senator Phillips said. “A cancer diagnosis or major surgery can be devastating for anyone, but for a young woman there is the added concern that she could be left infertile because of radiation, chemotherapy or surgery. This measure provides young patients with a means to safeguard their fertility options down the road post recovery.” 

Several states already have similar laws and these states experience lower rates of multiple births and associated neo-natal and pediatric care costs.  The legislation is expected to save New York millions of dollars in long-term health care costs, since patients would no longer be forced to rely on higher risk medical procedures.