Mandates all insurance contracts, plans or policies provide insurance coverage for the expense of testing and treating infertility, including preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), in conjunction with in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Impact
The enactment of HB 7877 will significantly alter the state’s insurance laws. It requires insurers to adjust their policies to comply with the new mandates for infertility coverage. By defining infertility and encompassing a range of treatment-related services, the bill aims not only to increase access for women facing fertility challenges but also seeks to standardize the coverage scope in the state’s health insurance sector. Notably, the bill allows a cap of $100,000 for coverage, thus establishing a financial limit beyond which patients might be required to pay out-of-pocket.
Summary
House Bill 7877 mandates that all health insurance contracts, plans, or policies provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of infertility when pregnancy-related benefits are included. Specifically, it requires that medically necessary expenses related to infertility treatments, including preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) as part of in vitro fertilization (IVF), be covered for women aged 25 to 42. Moreover, it outlines the conditions under which standard fertility-preservation services must be offered if they may cause infertility due to medical treatment. This relaxation of coverage limitations marks a notable shift in the healthcare policy landscape in Rhode Island.
Contention
While many support the bill for addressing the healthcare needs of those struggling with infertility, opponents may argue about the financial implications it imposes on insurance companies. Concerns revolve around the potential for increased premiums or reduced coverage in other areas of health care as insurers adjust to the mandate. Additionally, the requirement for insurers to include treatments for a condition as personal and varying as infertility may fuel debates around healthcare equity and access, particularly in the context of varying definitions of medical necessity.
Mandates insurance policies, provides coverage to diagnose & treat infertility for women between 25 & 42 years, including pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) in conjunction with in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Mandates insurance policies, provides coverage to diagnose & treat infertility for women between 25 & 42 years, including pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) in conjunction with in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Mandates all insurance contracts, plans or policies provide insurance coverage for the expense of diagnosing and treating infertility, for women between the ages of 25 and 42 years including preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) in conjunction with IVF.
Mandates all insurance plans provide insurance coverage for diagnosing and treating infertility for women between the ages of 25 and 42 years including preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) in conjunction with in vitro fertilization (IVF).