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

WASHINGTON – This week, Representative Lauren Underwood (IL-14) introduced the Health Coverage for Inclusive and Valued Families (IVF) Act of 2025, legislation that would strengthen the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The legislation would amend the ACA to include fertility treatment and care as an essential health benefit, greatly expanding access to fertility services including 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 have a baby. Millions of Americans use treatments like IVF to plan their families and find relief from the painful and often heartbreaking experience of struggling to conceive, and they deserve our support,” Underwood said. “At a time when our fundamental freedoms and health care are under relentless attack, we must strengthen the Affordable Care Act and make sure that families are able to access essential care.”

A single cycle of IVF can range from $15,000 – 20,000 and most patients require 2.5 rounds to become pregnant.  These expenses are generally paid out-of-pocket. Amending the ACA to include coverage of IVF and other fertility services will significantly expand access to IVF and 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 the vast majority of small and non-group insurance plans to cover fertility services without requiring a diagnosis of infertility. This bill also ensures that plans provide meaningful coverage by requiring that plans do not place any more limitations on fertility treatment and care than on other medical and surgical benefits. 

In addition, it requires a Government Accountability Office (GAO) study to monitor plans’ delivery of this benefit. 

Covered fertility services under this bill 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 for fertility.
• Gamete donation.
• Such other information, referrals, treatments, procedures, medications, laboratory testing, technologies, and services relating to fertility as the HHS Secretary determines appropriate.

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