Countless California individuals and couples rely on fertility assistance to have their children. While only some services have been covered by insurance, the Office of Personnel Management has recently expanded that. Starting in 2023, federal employees relying on fertility assistance will have added benefits.
Understanding the expansion of benefits for fertility assistance
In August 2022, Sen. Tammy Duckworth and Rep. Gerry Connolly sent a joint letter to the Office of Personnel Management asking for an expansion to federal medical coverage to include fertility treatments and procedures to be included for those who need them. More than 20 members of Congress signed on with them in support.
As a result of their efforts, individuals on federal health insurance will begin to qualify for added fertility treatments and other services starting in 2023. The Office of Personnel Management has fought hard to bring coverage for prenatal and postpartum care for mothers to address the disproportionate health risks and mortality faced by Black and Native women.
As soon as November 2022, you can choose among four plans that offer assisted reproductive technology (ART). If you struggle with infertility, you will be able to rely on your federal health insurance to get the help you need to start your family. Services include in vitro fertilization (IVF), fertility medications and more.
Other benefits available with the expansion
At the moment, only 20 states require regulated plans to cover treatments that address infertility. With this new expansion of benefits, women and teenage girls will also have a wide range of contraceptives and care. Mothers will be covered for the costs of prenatal and postpartum services, birthing centers, midwives and doulas. Women will also have access to childbirth preparation classes and specialized care for high-risk pregnancies.
The expansion of these federal insurance benefits should come as a great relief to many individuals and couples who need fertility assistance.