California Mandates Insurance Coverage for IVF

California has enacted Senate Bill 729, mandating that large group health insurance plans cover infertility treatments, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), significantly broadening access for millions of residents. The law, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, expands the definition of infertility to include various circumstances, facilitating family planning for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples. This legislation aims to alleviate the financial burden of IVF, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars without insurance, and is expected to impact around 9 million Californians. Critics, including the California Association of Health Plans, argue that the new requirements will increase healthcare costs significantly, with estimates reaching up to $329.9 million in the second year. The law is set to take effect in July 2025, though adjustments to its implementation timeline may be requested by legislators. This move comes amidst national debates over reproductive rights and access to fertility treatments, particularly after recent failures in Congress to establish nationwide IVF access.