Senate Democrats are working on ways to remove barriers to infertility treatments.  Medical treatments are getting expensive and often are difficult to navigate the Senate Democratic Caucus is highlighting legislation they say will make infertility treatments like IVF and preservation services more accessible.  

State-regulated health insurance plans are required to cover standard, evidence-based fertility preservation services when deemed medically necessary.  That makes these treatments largely inaccessible due to high cost.  To make treatments more affordable and accessible, State Senator Natalie Toro is leading a measure to expand insurance coverage for Illinois patients.  Senate Bill 2623 would require insurers to cover expenses for fertility preservation and follow-up services for any interested patient, not only those who have been diagnosed with infertility. 

State Senator Cristina Castro is leading Senate Bill 2572 which would require employers with more than 25 employees to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of infertility in women, along with coverage for injectable medicines that improve glucose levels for those diagnosed with pre-diabetes, diabetes, or obesity.  

State Senator Michael E. Hastings is championing a bill that would remove barriers that may prevent couples in Illinois from receiving coverage for IVF treatment.  The measure would require insurance companies to provide coverage for fertility treatments recommended by a licensed physician approving the covered individual to seek these treatments.  Currently, insurance companies can require a patient to complete other procedures and tests before receiving coverage for IVF, even with a licensed physician’s recommendation.  

The Senators are expected to work over the coming months to get the measures passed.