Senator Phillips Calls On State Assembly To Act On Legislation Requiring Insurance Companies To Cover In-Vitro Fertilization & Fertility Preservation Treatments

Senator Phillips called on the State Assembly earlier today to take action on her legislation requiring insurance coverage of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other fertility preservation treatments in New York State.  

Joined by infertility advocates, fertility nurses and both successful and hopeful current IVF patients from around the state, Senator Phillips reiterated her commitment to passing the measure on behalf of New York families.

“Infertility rates are increasing globally and over 1400 families in my district alone are facing infertility issues and tens of thousands more across the state are in need of our help,” Senator Phillips said. “Too many individuals are maxing out credit cards, taking out second mortgages or loans to pursue their dream of starting a family and it is time the state legislature provides residents of New York with the same coverage that we provide state employees.” 

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 would provide 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.

“Having been an infertility nurse for the last 21 years, I’ve seen thousands of babies born as a result of IVF. Not everyone can conceive naturally and people are going into debt trying to have children. I’ve told individuals to go work for the state – because state employees have IVF coverage and I’ve heard doctors tell patients to move to one of the surrounding states who require insurers to cover IVF.  I hope the Assembly passes this bill to help New York families and we appreciate Senator Phillips’ efforts,” said Chris Gray, Capital Region Fertility Nurse.

“I have two children, a 4 year old and 18 month old, both as a result of IVF.  We wanted a family, so I dropped out of medical school, moved in with our-in-laws and spent nearly $160,000 out of pocket so we could children.  This bill would help other families and prevent them from going bankrupt trying to have children. We are so happy Senator Phillips is pushing to pass this important bill to help families like ours,” said successful IVF patient Kristin Crumb of Troy, New York.

The measure, which provides a religious exemption and ensures that the existing NYS Infertility Grant Program remains active for those who do not have insurance, is expected to come before the Senate today or tomorrow.