Rhode Island Senate Bill S2396

Rhode Island 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/12/24
• Refer: 2/12/24
• Report Pass: 4/25/24
• Engrossed: 4/30/24
• Refer: 5/1/24

Caption

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).

Impact

The passage of S2396 is poised to positively influence state laws regarding health insurance by ensuring that policies cannot deny coverage for medically indicated infertility treatments. By setting out specific guidelines and requirements for insurance coverage related to infertility, the bill aims to prevent discrimination against women who are likely to face barriers within traditional insurance frameworks. This approach is expected to support the reproductive rights of women and improve their overall health outcomes.

Summary

Bill S2396, introduced in the Rhode Island General Assembly, mandates that health insurance policies across the state provide coverage for diagnosing and treating infertility for women ages 25 to 42. This includes significant procedures such as preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) in conjunction with in vitro fertilization (IVF) and covers fertility preservation services when treatments for other medical conditions have the potential to cause infertility. The bill seeks to enhance the accessibility of necessary healthcare for women experiencing infertility, addressing a critical gap in health insurance coverage.

Contention

While supporters argue that S2396 empowers women by granting them equitable access to necessary treatments and procedures, there may be opposition centered around the implications for insurance costs and potential ethical considerations regarding fertility treatments. Concerns could arise regarding the fairness in funding these services, particularly how the lifetime cap of $100,000 for infertility treatments might restrict access to extended care for some patients. The effectiveness of the mandated coverage in actual practice will be crucial in determining its long-term impact on healthcare accessibility.