DENVER, CO — A recent study led by US Fertility’s research team highlights the positive impact of state insurance mandates that include coverage for fertility preservation in cases of medically induced infertility. Presented at the 80th ASRM Scientific Congress & Expo, the research reveals a significant rise in fertility preservation cycles in states that enacted such mandates.
The study, The Impact of State Insurance Mandates on Fertility Preservation Access, assessed the effect of these insurance mandates by comparing fertility preservation utilization rates in 2016 (before the mandates) to those in 2021 (after the mandates). In the 8 states that adopted mandates for fertility preservation coverage, there was an increase in fertility preservation utilization ranging from 36.1% to 90.5%, with a significant overall increase compared to states without such mandates.
“We are thrilled to see that these insurance mandates are making a real difference in the lives of patients wanting to preserve their ability to accomplish their family building goals,” shares Josh Morris, M.D., lead author and Shady Grove Fertility Fellow at The Jones Institute at Eastern Virginia Medical School. “It is clear that these insurance mandates empower more people to learn about their reproductive options and to take control of their reproductive future.”
The research underscores the importance of continued efforts to improve access to fertility preservation services, particularly for those whose fertility is impacted by medical conditions or treatments. Since 2020, an additional 12 states and the District of Columbia have enacted similar mandates, suggesting that even more patients will have access to and benefit from fertility preservation.
“This research highlights the critical role that policy changes can play in expanding access to essential reproductive services,” shares Eric Widra, M.D., Executive Senior Medical Officer for Shady Grove Fertility and RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association board member. “It’s encouraging to see that more states are recognizing the importance of fertility preservation and taking steps to support patients during challenging times.”
Learn more about US Fertility’s Research Division, which conducts and publishes high-quality research studies to advance the field of reproductive medicine to provide better, more effective care to infertility patients.
