Underwood Introduces Health Coverage for IVF Act to Make Fertility Treatment and Care More Affordable and Accessible

WASHINGTON—Representative Lauren Underwood (IL-14) introduced the Health Coverage for Inclusive and Valued Families Act of 2024, legislation that would amend the Affordable Care Act to include fertility treatment and care as an essential health benefit, greatly expanding access to fertility services, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), and making this essential care more affordable and accessible for families.

“No one should be priced out of the treatment and health care that can help them achieve their dream of starting a family. Millions of Americans use treatments like IVF to plan their families and find relief from the painful and often heartbreaking experience of infertility, and they deserve our support,” Underwood said. “At a time when our fundamental freedoms and reproductive health are under relentless attack, we must make sure that families who are going through these experiences are able to access this essential care.”

A single cycle of IVF can range from $15,000 – 20,000, and most patients require multiple rounds to become pregnant. Due to lack of widespread health coverage, these health care costs are generally paid completely by the patient. Amending the ACA to include coverage of IVF and other fertility services will significantly expand access to fertility treatment as well as dramatically reduce out-of-pocket costs for women and families seeking care.

The Health Coverage for IVF Act would require small and non-group health plans under the Affordable Care Act to cover fertility treatment services, regardless of infertility diagnoses.

Covered fertility treatment services under these plans would include:

• Preservation of human oocytes, sperm, or embryos for later reproductive use
• Assisted reproductive technology, including in vitro fertilization
• Artificial insemination
• Genetic testing of embryos
• Medications prescribed or obtained over-the-counter, as indicated for fertility.
• Gamete donation
• Such other information, referrals, treatments, procedures, medications, laboratory testing, technologies, and services relating to fertility as the Secretary determines appropriate