Starting in 2026, a new California law will require insurance companies to expand health insurance coverage for infertility treatment, including In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), for many Californians, including same-sex couples.

California

California has enacted a law that will require insurance providers to expand coverage for infertility treatments, including In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), to include same-sex couples. The law, known as SB 729, mandates coverage for infertility diagnoses and treatments, allowing for up to three complete egg retrievals and unlimited embryo transfers. 

While the law will not cover gestational carriers, it is expected to significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs for same-sex couples seeking to start families. The full mandate will take effect in 2026, and details regarding co-pays and deductibles are yet to be clarified.

California law to cover fertility treatments for same-sex couples

I'm here at Balboa Park where we are just days away from the Pride Festival and I spoke with a family planning doctor who's going to have a booth here. He tells me he's going to be talking to same-sex couples about a new California lot that is going to make it more affordable for them to start a family. Dr. Alex Kwas and his team just got their order of swag delivered for their booth at Pride. They're returning to this year's festival but with a new message. Soon there will be more fertility coverage for members of the LGBTQ plus community. SB 729, that's the new health care law that passed in California last year, mandating coverage for infertility diagnoses and treatment and it includes same-sex couples. The law covers up to three complete egg retrievals and unlimited embryo transfers. Same-sex couples will need assistance and traditionally that's been paid out of pocket. Dr. Kwas has been helping same-sex couples with family planning. I do have a lot of same-sex female couples that come to us with a desire to build a family. Here's a ballpark idea of how much he's seen couples spend. Dr. Kwas tells me female couples will pay up to $2,000 for insemination, up to $1,000 for a sperm donor and anywhere between $20,000 to $30,000 for IVF treatment. The success rates of IVF are really high. He tells me for male couples it's more expensive. They're going to need an egg donor that costs up to $50,000. Then they'll need a surrogate, which he says can range anywhere between $80,000 to $150,000. The new mandate does not cover gestational carriers, but I think on average people end up spending close to $100,000 for one pregnancy. In January 2026, the full coverage mandate will go into effect. Dr. Kwas says until then, he won't know what the law will allow with co-pays, deductibles and more. Dani Miskell, ABC 10 News.

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