Infertility is a widespread medical issue in the United States, yet access to treatment remains limited for many couples. According to Dr. Benjamin Peipert, a chief resident in obstetrics and gynecology at Duke University, less than 25% of infertile couples have the necessary access to infertility care, as estimated by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).
The use of assisted reproductive technology (ART), including in vitro fertilization (IVF), is lower in the U.S. compared to other developed countries where national health programs provide public funding for IVF treatments.
Historically, American insurers have regarded infertility as a social issue, treating IVF as an elective procedure. This view persists despite research showing that the cost of fertility coverage is minimal, especially compared to other medical treatments that are routinely covered.
One of the biggest barriers to IVF and other infertility treatments is their cost. Fortunately, state mandates requiring insurance coverage for infertility care have proven effective in improving access to treatment. West Virginia was the first state to pass such a mandate in 1977, and Maryland followed with the nation’s first IVF mandate in 1985.
Today, 20 states have enacted laws requiring insurers to cover or offer coverage for infertility diagnosis and treatment. Out of these, 10 states have comprehensive IVF mandates that cover third-party IVF treatments with few restrictions on eligibility or lifetime limits.
According to Peipert, these mandates have resulted in better outcomes, including higher rates of single embryo transfers, which reduce the risk of multiple births. Research has also indicated a connection between IVF mandates and higher live birth rates, although further studies are needed to fully understand this link.
While these state mandates have helped reduce disparities in access to IVF treatment across various demographic groups, such as race, ethnicity, education, geography, and income, Peipert stresses that they do not fully eliminate these inequalities. The multifaceted nature of healthcare disparities in the U.S. means that mandates alone are not enough to ensure equal access to infertility care.
As advocacy efforts continue to expand IVF coverage, Peipert encourages patients, healthcare providers, and the public to work with organizations like RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association to push for legislative changes that improve access to infertility care. Writing to state and federal legislators in support of infertility insurance coverage and family-building options, such as IVF, can help drive these necessary changes.
The study’s authors hope their findings will guide future research and influence new policies that further improve access to infertility care across the nation.
Related Topics:
