Trenton – Governor Phil Murphy today signed A5235/S3627 expanding health insurance coverage requirements for infertility services. The bill requires certain private, state-regulated health insurers that provide pregnancy-related benefits to groups of more than 50 people, the State Health Benefits Program, and the School Employees Health Benefits Program to provide coverage for any infertility-related services in accordance with AMA guidelines Genital and as determined by the doctor.
Covered services include, but are not limited to, various types of in vitro fertilization, intrauterine insemination, genetic testing, and embryo transfer. The bill provides coverage for infertility services for the partner of a person who has successfully reversed voluntary sterilization, and further states that nothing in the definition of “infertility” may be used to deny or delay treatment to any individual, regardless of relationship status or sexual orientation, and prohibits companies from Health insurance imposes restrictions regarding coverage of infertility services based on age. Today’s coverage expansion builds on health benefit coverage mandates for fertility preservation services under PL 2019, c. 306.
“Making fertility services more accessible and affordable is another step in New Jersey’s comprehensive approach to promoting reproductive health care and reproductive freedom. There are many different paths toward starting a family, each defined by their unique challenges and joys. Governor Murphy said. “For those struggling with infertility and same-sex couples, the possibility of starting a family is severely impacted by the availability and accessibility of infertility care and other medical services that, without coverage, can be very expensive. Today’s bill will create new opportunities for families across New Jersey To take on one of the hardest and most rewarding jobs ever – parenting.
“With this legislation, we are putting important fertility services more accessible to individuals and families in New Jersey. Those struggling with infertility or needing medical services to start a family should not have to refinance their homes or dip into their savings to pursue their dreams of parenthood. Deputy Governor Tahisha Way said. “With today’s action, we are making critical fertility treatments available and affordable for New Jersey families.”
“In New Jersey, we have made it a priority to advance reproductive freedoms, giving individuals and families the power to decide if, when, and how to start a family.” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “Providing coverage for fertility services such as intrauterine insemination, genetic testing, and embryo transfer aligns directly with our mission to enable choice in reproductive decision-making. This will make a difference for many New Jerseyans trying to start a family.”
“Expanding insurance coverage for infertility treatment will help many New Jerseyans who are struggling to start or expand their families.” Justin Zimmerman, Acting Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, said:. “This legislation will remove barriers to access to affordable treatment and services that can make the dream of starting a family a reality.”
Sponsors of the legislation include Senators Joe Vitale and Brian Stack and Assemblymembers Pamela Lambitt, Shavonda Sumter and Sterlee Stanley.
“As many as one in six people of reproductive age experience difficulties related to infertility. Although viable treatment services are available, they are often expensive or difficult to access. said Senator Joe Vitale, Chairman of the Senate Health, Human Services and Seniors Committee. “This law will help ensure that all people who dream of starting a family get the support they need and require health insurance to help cover the cost.”
“Starting a family is often a financial challenge, which is exacerbated by the ongoing high costs of infertility services,” said Senator Brian Stack. “This law will help remove barriers to these treatments, allowing many New Jerseyans to have children more easily.”
“The challenges of infertility and the struggle to conceive affect far more people in our state than most of us realize,” said Assemblywoman Pamela Lampitt. “Because of the inadequacy of how these cases are handled by insurance, the cost burden of starting a family in such cases is enormous and unachievable for the vast majority of those who need assistance. A successful pregnancy should be a realistic option for any New Jersey family, not a realistic option.” “. Luxuries for the rich and privileged, and the signing of this legislation is a victory for everyone who faces these challenges, especially those who face these challenges with limited financial resources.
“Financial difficulties should not be an obstacle to starting a family.” said Assemblywoman Shavonda E. Sumter. “With the enactment of this legislation, we are working to ensure that individuals are not denied insurance coverage for infertility treatment, regardless of marital status or sexual orientation. This is a momentous day for couples – and individuals – who long to be parents.”
“Couples or individuals experiencing infertility should not have their decisions about how to move forward dictated by their finances.” said Assemblyman Sterley Stanley. “Revising health insurance coverage requirements for infertility treatment will enable more individuals – and couples – to experience the joys of starting or expanding a family.”
“Today, New Jersey took another step toward equality when Governor Phil Murphy signed A5235/S3627 into law. ASRM thanks bill sponsors Senator Vitale and Assemblymember Lambitt for their advocacy for expanding fertility care, and Governor Murphy for signing this bill into law today, ensuring that More New Jerseyans are able to access vital family-building care. President of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Dr. Paula Amato.
“Governor Murphy and the Legislature have once again committed to making New Jersey a family-friendly state. This legislation provides people who want to have children with an affordable means to overcome the barrier of infertility. “We’re very excited about this,” said Garden State Equality Action Fund Board Member Bill Singer, Esq.
“Thank you to all who supported making this bill a reality. This new legislation isn’t just about financial relief; it recognizes the undeniable truth that every individual, regardless of circumstance, should be able to realize their dream of parenthood. Ralph and Michael Maguire Losano, of Morris Plains, said they are advocating for the families who would benefit from the bill..
“We celebrate the passage of a groundbreaking bill that makes the dream of parenthood a reality for so many citizens. This landmark legislation demonstrates New Jersey’s ongoing commitment to equality and inclusion, and is an important step toward ensuring reproductive rights for all.” Amelia and Rachel Fairley, of Bridgewater, said they advocate for families who would benefit from the bill.
“Expanding insurance coverage for infertility treatment ensures that every person in New Jersey can start a family if and when it is right for them, regardless of their income. This bill will ensure that people who already face the most barriers to health services, including people from the LGBTQ+ community , people of color, and people of low income, can start a family on their own terms.” The Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey applauds Senators Vitale and Stack, Assembly Members Labbett, Sumter and Stanley, and the Governor for taking this critical step toward making New Jersey one of the best places to access the full range of Reproductive health care. Jackie Cornell, Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey, said:
“The New Jersey State Bar Association is grateful for the Governor’s support of Bill A5235/S3627 because it expands access to infertility treatment by requiring insurance companies to provide coverage for this treatment when a doctor determines that a person is in need of medical intervention to achieve pregnancy. The NJSBA supported this bill and its review To define infertility as an important measure that will help ensure equitable access to coverage for critical medical treatment. said New Jersey State Bar President Timothy F. McGaughran.