Virginia Senate Bill SB954

Virginia 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/6/25
• Refer: 1/6/25

Caption

Fertility preservation treatments; state plan for medical assistance services.

Impact

The proposed legislation would impact both the medical assistance services offered in Virginia and the requirements imposed on health insurers regarding fertility preservation. Specifically, it mandates that health maintenance organizations and insurance providers in the large group market cover not just the procedures, but also any associated medications without imposing stricter conditions than for other prescription medications. The intent is to create a more equitable healthcare system where those facing cancer diagnoses have access to reproductive health options.

Summary

Senate Bill 954, introduced in January 2025, aims to amend the Code of Virginia to provide coverage for standard fertility preservation treatments for individuals diagnosed with cancer. The bill recognizes that cancer treatments may lead to a substantial risk of infertility and seeks to ensure that individuals can preserve their reproductive capabilities during and after their treatment. It specifies that insurers must provide coverage for procedures such as sperm banking, oocyte banking, and the storage of reproductive cells and tissues, thus addressing a significant gap in current healthcare provisions for cancer patients.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB954 include concerns over its financial impact on insurance carriers and the potential for increased healthcare premiums. Critics worry that mandated coverage for fertility preservation could lead insurers to raise costs to compensate for the additional benefits. There may also be debates regarding what constitutes 'standard' fertility preservation, as differing opinions exist on the necessity and ethics of certain procedures, especially in terms of experimental treatments that may not be covered under existing regulations.