California to Mandate IVF Coverage for Larger Employers
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Starting January 1, 2026, a new California law will require large employer-sponsored health plans to cover in vitro fertilization (IVF) and expand access to reproductive healthcare for a wider range of individuals and couples.
- Beginning January 1, 2026, California will require large group health insurance plans (100+ employees) to cover infertility treatment, including IVF.
- Senate Bill (SB) 729, signed into law in 2024, is the legislation driving this change.
- The law broadens the definition of infertility to include same-sex couples and unmarried individuals seeking to start a family.
- Insurance plans must cover up to three egg retrieval sessions and unlimited embryo transfers.
- Copays and deductibles for infertility treatment cannot exceed those for other medical services.
California is poised to significantly expand access to fertility treatments, a move celebrated by advocates and families struggling with infertility. The new law, signed into effect in 2024, aims to remove financial barriers to building families and ensure equitable access to reproductive healthcare.
Expanding the Definition of Family
Historically, insurance coverage for IVF and other fertility treatments has been inconsistent, often excluding same-sex couples and single individuals. SB 729 directly addresses this disparity, explicitly including these groups within the definition of those eligible for coverage. This means that individuals, regardless of marital status or sexual orientation, will have the same opportunities to pursue family-building options.
Financial Protections for Patients
Beyond expanding eligibility, the law also provides crucial financial protections. Insurance companies are prohibited from imposing higher copays or deductibles for infertility treatment compared to other medical services. This ensures that patients aren’t penalized financially for seeking care related to reproductive health. According to the law, insurance companies must cover up to three egg retrieval sessions and an unlimited number of embryo transfers, including unmarried and single parents.
The changes, set to take effect on January 1, 2026, represent a significant step forward in reproductive rights and access to care in California. The law expands the definition of infertility to include same-sex couples who need medical help to start a family.