Rhode Island Senate Bill S2946

Rhode Island 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/2/24
• Refer: 4/2/24

Caption

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).

Impact

The implementation of S2946 will significantly affect state law by expanding insurance coverage to include infertility treatments which have historically been marginalized. This change is expected to alleviate the financial burden on women who seek infertility treatment, promoting equitable access to essential health services. Moreover, it shall prevent insurance companies from imposing specific limitations or exclusions based on a woman’s previous treatments or health conditions. This legislative move reflects a growing recognition of reproductive rights and health equity among women in the state.

Summary

S2946 is an act concerning insurance policies related to infertility treatment for women between the ages of 25 and 42. The bill mandates that all health insurance contracts, plans, or policies delivered in the state provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of infertility, including costs associated with preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) in conjunction with in vitro fertilization (IVF). This is aimed at ensuring that women dealing with infertility have access to necessary services without being penalized due to their age or health history. It also includes provisions for standard fertility-preservation services when required by medical treatment that might cause infertility.

Contention

However, some points of contention surrounding S2946 center on the costs associated with expanded insurance coverage and potential resistance from some insurance providers. Critics may argue that the mandate could lead to increased premiums for all policyholders, impacting the overall insurance market. Additionally, the bill specifies that while coverage is expanded, it may be limited by a lifetime cap of $100,000, which some argue could be inadequate for families needing long-term support in infertility services. These concerns highlight the balance between improving access to reproductive health and managing fiscal responsibilities within the health insurance framework.