Co-Sponsorship Memo Details

Infertility impacts a large percentage of our population, more than six million people in the United States and about one in ten couples in which the woman is of reproductive age. The experience of infertility can bring a deep sense of shame, grief, and powerlessness; it may impact all aspects of an individual’s life and a couple’s relationship.

There are several forms of treatment to help individuals affected by infertility build families, including medication, surgery, intrauterine insemination, and assisted reproductive technology. However, the costs of infertility diagnosis and treatment can be extremely high, putting it out of reach for many Pennsylvanians.

I will soon reintroduce legislation to require certain employer-sponsored insurance plans to cover infertility services. According to the RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, 19 states have passed fertility insurance coverage laws. Each of Pennsylvania’s border states has an infertility insurance coverage mandate. Data shows that costs associated with expanded access are nominal and offset when more people get covered. Massachusetts, the state with the most comprehensive mandate for infertility coverage, found that the cost of coverage was one of the lowest among its mandated benefits at $2.49 per member per year.

This bill is a reintroduction of Senate Bill 989 from last session and is a companion to a House bill to be introduced by Representatives Malagari, O’Mara, and Innamorato. Please join us in this effort to improve Pennsylvanians’ access to family-building options.