How California SB729 Will Make IVF and Fertility Treatments More Affordable

California SB729 Expands IVF and Fertility Insurance Coverage:  What It Means for Families

The dream of starting a family can often be hindered by the high cost of fertility treatments, which can range in the tens of thousands of dollars. California IVF fertility centers often provide guidance on navigating insurance options and fertility financing. For many individuals and couples, particularly those in the LGBTQ+ community, accessing treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI) has been a significant financial burden. Fortunately, a new California law, Senate Bill 729 (SB729), signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, aims to change that. This groundbreaking legislation is set to expand fertility insurance coverage for millions of Californians, providing much-needed support to those facing infertility.

For those interested in family-building through surrogacy or other fertility treatments, this new law could be a game-changer. Understanding what
insurance covers IVF in California is essential for making informed fertility decisions. At Northwest Surrogacy Center (NWSC), we serve many intended parents from California, and understanding the implications of SB729 will be essential for both our surrogates and the families we help create.

What is Senate Bill 729 (SB729)?

Senate Bill 729, signed into law in 2024 by Governor Gavin Newsom, requires large group health plans in California to cover infertility treatments, including IVF and IUI. SB 729 California redefines access to fertility care by mandating insurance coverage for advanced treatments like IVF. The law primarily affects health plans that cover at least 100 employees, offering comprehensive coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of infertility. This includes up to three egg retrievals and unlimited embryo transfers, which significantly broadens the accessibility of advanced fertility treatments. The new California bill aims to remove barriers for intended parents seeking IVF treatments through insurance.

While California law already required health insurance plans to offer coverage for some fertility treatments, such as diagnostic testing, medication, and certain surgeries, the decision to cover more expensive treatments like IVF was left to employers. Many employers did not provide this coverage, leaving individuals and couples to pay out of pocket for these treatments.

With the implementation of SB729, fertility coverage will be mandatory for many health plans, providing much-needed relief for families who previously struggled to afford treatment. The law will go into effect in July 2025 for most beneficiaries and will extend to government workers covered under the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) in 2027.

The Significance of Broadening the Definition of Infertility

One of the most notable aspects of SB729 is its expanded definition of infertility, which now includes provisions for same-sex couples and LGBTQ+ individuals. Traditionally, infertility has been defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of unprotected heterosexual intercourse. This narrow definition excluded LGBTQ+ couples and individuals from accessing fertility treatments, as they would not meet the criteria under existing laws.

With SB729, the definition of infertility is broadened to include individuals and couples who require fertility treatments to conceive, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. This means that LGBTQ+ couples will now have the same access to fertility treatments as heterosexual couples, helping to create a more equitable approach to family-building. For those who have faced challenges accessing care due to outdated definitions of infertility, this new law provides a more inclusive path forward.

What Fertility Treatments Are Covered Under SB729?

Under SB729, a range of fertility treatments will now be covered by insurance for those enrolled in large group health plans. IVF insurance California ensures comprehensive fertility care by covering both diagnosis and treatment phases. The treatments covered under the law include:

Infertility diagnosis: The process of diagnosing infertility, which may involve medical testing, ultrasounds, and consultations with fertility specialists.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): A process in which eggs are retrieved, fertilized with sperm in a lab, and then transferred to the uterus. IVF is one of the most effective fertility treatments, but also one of the most expensive, with a single cycle costing up to $20,000. SB729 will provide coverage for up to three egg retrievals and unlimited embryo transfers.

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): A fertility treatment in which sperm is placed directly into the uterus to facilitate conception. IUI is typically less invasive and less expensive than IVF, but it may not be as effective for some individuals or couples.

Embryo transfers: After fertilization, the embryo is transferred to the uterus for potential implantation and pregnancy. The new law allows for unlimited embryo transfers, providing more opportunities for successful pregnancies.

What insurance companies cover IVF in California is a common question among intended parents navigating fertility options. For many individuals, multiple rounds of IVF or IUI are necessary to achieve a successful pregnancy. By covering a wider range of treatments and offering more opportunities for embryo transfers, SB729 ensures that more people can access the care they need to grow their families.

Who is Eligible for SB729’s Expanded Fertility Coverage?

The new law applies to approximately 9 million Californians enrolled in large group, state-regulated health plans. However, there are some exceptions. The law does not apply to individuals who receive their health coverage through religious employers, nor does it extend to those enrolled in Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program. Additionally, coverage will not be available for individuals who work for employers with fewer than 100 employees, as the law specifically targets large group health plans.

For those who do qualify, the benefits will begin in July 2025. Government workers covered under CalPERS will need to wait until July 2027 to access these benefits.

Addressing the Financial Burden of Fertility Treatments

Fertility treatments, particularly IVF, can be prohibitively expensive. How much is IVF in California without insurance often discourages families from pursuing treatment. A single round of IVF can cost up to $20,000, and many individuals require more than one cycle to achieve a successful pregnancy. In addition to the high costs of the treatments themselves, there are often additional expenses for medications, genetic testing, and other procedures. For many, these costs have made fertility treatments unattainable.

SB729 provides a solution to this financial burden by mandating coverage for fertility treatments, making family-building more accessible to a wider range of individuals and couples. By removing some of the financial barriers to care, the law gives hope to those who have struggled with infertility, allowing them to pursue their dreams of starting a family without the overwhelming financial strain.

Implications for Surrogacy and Assisted Reproductive Technology

At NWSC, we work with many intended parents from California, and we expect SB729 to have a significant impact on those seeking surrogacy as a path to parenthood. Surrogacy often involves the use of IVF, and with the expanded insurance coverage provided by SB729, intended parents may find that the cost of their surrogacy journey is more manageable.

The inclusion of same-sex couples in the expanded definition of infertility is also a key development for LGBTQ+ intended parents. By making treatments like IVF and IUI more accessible and affordable, SB729 promotes reproductive equity for LGBTQ+ families, ensuring that they have the same opportunities to build their families as anyone else. California’s new IVF bill promotes reproductive equity for LGBTQ+ families.

Conclusion

California’s SB729 represents a major step forward in making fertility treatments more accessible and affordable for millions of people. For those who have struggled with infertility, this new law offers hope, providing coverage for IVF, IUI, and other critical treatments. At NWSC, we are committed to supporting all families on their journey to parenthood, and we believe that SB729 will make a meaningful difference in the lives of many intended parents.