Sacramento, California — Millions of Californians will gain new access to in vitro fertilization and other fertility treatments under a state law taking effect January 1, significantly expanding insurance coverage for people struggling to conceive. The law requires large group health insurers, covering employers with at least 100 workers, to pay for infertility diagnosis, fertility preservation, and IVF services.
Supporters say the change addresses one of the biggest barriers to family-building: cost. A single IVF cycle can exceed $30,000, with multiple cycles often required for a successful pregnancy. The new statute also updates California’s legal definition of infertility, removing language that previously excluded same-sex couples and single individuals from receiving fertility benefits.
State Sen. Caroline Menjivar, the bill’s author, said the law is both a policy victory and a personal milestone, noting that LGBTQ individuals have historically been denied fertility coverage despite medical need. Advocates argue the mandate brings infertility treatment in line with coverage for other medical conditions and reduces financial and emotional strain for families.
The law does not apply to Medi-Cal recipients, religious employers, or federally regulated insurance plans. However, state officials expect smaller employer plans to follow once federal approval is granted through a separate regulatory process.
Health insurers had opposed the measure, warning it could increase premiums for businesses and individuals. Despite those concerns, California becomes the 15th state to require fertility coverage for state-regulated plans, reflecting a broader shift toward treating infertility as a standard health condition rather than an elective service.
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