Thousands of aspiring parents in San Francisco could soon have expanded access to fertility treatments, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), under a new law signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom. Senate Bill 729, signed into law on September 29, 2024, mandates that starting July 1, 2025, large-group private insurance policies will be required to cover a variety of fertility treatments, marking a significant step forward in reproductive healthcare access for many Californians.
The new law applies to insurance plans purchased by businesses with 50 or more employees, a category defined by the California Department of Insurance. It will make coverage for fertility treatments, such as IVF, more accessible for families and individuals seeking to grow their families through assisted reproductive technologies (ART).
Additionally, as part of this historic legislation, California’s Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) will begin offering similar coverage two years later, ensuring that state employees also benefit from these expanded fertility treatment options.
California has long been a leader in pushing for greater reproductive healthcare access, and SB 729 represents a major leap in that tradition. Fertility treatments, often costly and out of reach for many, will soon be covered under employer health plans, reducing the financial burden for those who need assistance to start or expand their families.
“This new law will help remove financial barriers for many individuals and couples who have long struggled with infertility,” said State Senator Aisha Wahab, the author of SB 729. “No one should be denied the chance to become a parent because they can’t afford fertility treatments. This law makes California a leader in reproductive healthcare, ensuring more families can access the care they need to grow.”
The legislation addresses a growing demand for fertility treatment coverage, as more Californians seek assistance with family planning. In vitro fertilization (IVF), egg freezing, and other assisted reproductive methods have become essential options for many individuals, particularly as fertility challenges become more common and the costs of such treatments remain high.
For many families, the financial challenges associated with fertility treatments often prevent them from pursuing their desired family-building options. SB 729 seeks to address this issue by requiring large-group insurance policies to provide fertility care coverage, thus leveling the playing field for a more inclusive approach to family planning.
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