Underwood Introduces Legislation to Make Fertility Treatments More Affordable and Accessible

WASHINGTON – Representative Lauren Underwood (IL-14) has introduced the Health Savings and Affordability for Fertility Act, legislation to expand eligible fertility treatment and care allowable under Health Savings Accounts (HSA), making fertility treatments more affordable and accessible for families.

HSAs can lower health care costs and tax responsibilities for Americans enrolled in high deductible health plans by allowing them to set aside pre-tax dollars for their health care expenses. The Health Savings and Affordability for Fertility Act defines fertility treatment as a “qualified medical expense,” under HSAs, securing families’ ability to use HSAs to pay for their fertility treatments.

“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 fertility treatments to grow their families and find relief from the painful and often heartbreaking experience of infertility, and they deserve our support,” said Representative Lauren Underwood. “We must make sure that families are able to access this essential care. Ensuring that their HSA can be used to make these treatments more affordable is a key step forward.”

The Health Savings and Affordability for Fertility Actwill codify the following fertility treatments as “qualified medical expenses” under an HSA:

• Preservation (including long-term storage) of human eggs, sperm, or embryos for later reproductive use
• Artificial insemination
• Assisted reproductive technology, including in vitro fertilization
• Medications prescribed for fertility
• Gamete donation

The full text of the Health Savings and Affordability for Fertility Act can be viewed here.