Minnesota lawmakers are debating at bill that would require insurance companies to pay for infertility treatment.
The bill would require every health plan that provides maternity benefits to Minnesotans to also provide coverage for infertility treatment considered medically necessary by a health care provider.
"It's really unfair that couples have to try to have a child by taking out a second mortgage, like I've heard from constituents, or rely on friends and strangers for funding their medical services," says State Representative Jeff Brand (DFL- St. Peter).
It's estimated that about ten percent of women have fertility issues, which is why in part that 17 states have passed laws similar to this bill. In Minnesota, more than 185,000 women – approximately 1 in 7 – face infertility.
"For many families, an infertility diagnosis is not the largest barrier to becoming a parent," says Barbara Collura of RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association. "Sadly, it's the out-of-pocket cost of that treatment. Lack of insurance coverage is the number one barriar to care."
The Minnesota Building Families Act – would take action by requiring insurance coverage for infertility treatments. According the bill's authors, this legislation would reduce the financial strain on families while only minimally impacting insurance premiums.
Chandra Shenoy, MD is an assistant professor in obstetrics and gynecology at Mayo Clinic and says she sees this issue constantly.
"On a daily basis, I witness this inequity," explained Shenoy. "Imagine how crippling paying for the treatment of other diseases would be without insurance coverage. It is heartbreaking to see nurses and teachers that can't have children because they don't have insurance coverage. Many are simply unable to afford care."
In other states, increased insurance costs have been less than 1%.
Minnesotans who work for large, self-insured companies often have infertility benefits, as do State of Minnesota employees, including legislators and staff.
According to Forbes, in 2024 a single IVF cycle—defined as ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval and embryo transfer—can range from $15,000 to $30,000, depending on the center and the patient’s individual medication needs. Medications can account for up to 35% of those charges.