As the 2024 legislative session in Minnesota came to a close on May 19, Democrats were unable to pass the “Minnesota Building Families Act” that would have required insurance companies to cover infertility treatments in the state. Despite strong advocacy from families affected by infertility, concerns about costs and high state spending prevented the bill from passing.
While the bill did not pass, the Minnesota Advantage Health Plan offered through Health Partners does provide coverage for various assisted reproductive technology procedures, such as IVF, ICSI, and embryo cryopreservation. However, this coverage is limited to two ART cycles with a maximum benefit of $30,000 per patient. It’s important to note that this coverage does not include fertility drugs that are often necessary during treatment.
Although some individuals working for specific companies or as state employees may already have infertility treatment coverage, many families are still left to pay for treatments out of pocket. The average cost of one round of IVF in Minnesota ranges from $10,000 to $20,000, with no guarantee of success. This can be a significant financial burden for families already struggling with infertility.
Expanding access to assisted reproductive technology in Minnesota could have several benefits. First, it could help increase birth rates in the state, which have been declining in recent years. Additionally, by providing access to high-quality ART procedures, the long-term costs of treatment could potentially be reduced by avoiding complications and multiple births. Lastly, extending coverage for ART could help eliminate economic barriers to access, allowing more individuals and families to pursue their dreams of having children.
As the field of assisted reproductive technology continues to evolve and gain popularity, it is crucial for lawmakers to recognize the importance of providing access to these treatments for all Minnesotans. By expanding coverage for infertility treatments, the state can not only support families struggling with infertility but also potentially increase birth rates, reduce healthcare costs, and promote equity in access to reproductive care.