Insurance Coverage for Infertility Expanded in New Jersey
On May 1, 2017, the New Jersey Governor Chris Christie signed a law that improves and expands infertility coverage. This is exciting news because of the inclusivity it offers. The highlights are:
Women with same sex partners and women without partners can now qualify for infertility coverage.
The law adopts a medical definition of infertility - “a disease or condition that results in the abnormal function of the reproductive system.
Insurance providers that cover at least 50 people and provide pregnancy-related benefits are required to pay for infertility diagnosis and treatment.
The new law requires health plans contracting to cover state employees and teachers to include the same infertility coverage.
To have one state willing to require coverage for the disease of infertility is a hopeful beginning for the future of coverage for infertility procedures. Additionally it includes coverage for same sex partners as well as women without partners. Help may be accessible for even more people in the future if other states take notice.
Allison Ramsey is a licensed professional counselor and fertility counseling specialist in the Asheville area. She’s a member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, and completed their certificate training in mental health counseling for infertility. Contact her to start feeling better.