Governor Phil Murphy on Friday signed A5235/S3627 to expand health insurance coverage requirements for infertility services. The bill requires that certain private sector health insurers, which are regulated by the State and which provide pregnancy-related benefits to groups of more than 50 people, the State Health Benefits Program, and the School Employees’ Health Benefits Program, to provide coverage for any services related to infertility in accordance with the American Society for Reproductive Medicine guidelines and as determined by a physician.
Covered services include, but are not limited to, different types of in vitro fertilization, intrauterine insemination, genetic testing, and embryo transfers.
“Making fertility services more accessible and affordable is another step in New Jersey’s comprehensive approach to strengthening reproductive health care and reproductive freedom. There are many different paths toward starting a family, each defined by their own unique challenges and joys,” said Governor Murphy. “For those who struggle with infertility… the possibility of starting a family is deeply impacted by the availability and accessibility of infertility care and other medical services that, without coverage, can be extremely costly. Today’s bill will create new opportunities for families across New Jersey to take on one of the hardest and most rewarding jobs there is — parenthood.”
Sponsors of the legislation include Senators Joe Vitale and Brian Stack and Assemblymembers Pamela Lampitt, Shavonda Sumter, and Sterley Stanley.
“As many as one in six people of childbearing age suffer from difficulties involving infertility. And while viable treatment services are available, they are often too expensive or too difficult to access,” said Senator Vitale. “This law will help ensure all people with dreams of starting a family can access the support they need and require health insurance to help cover the cost.”
