Governor Gavin Newsom just signed a groundbreaking law that could redefine reproductive health rights in California, but the story behind the bill offers even more intrigue.
At a Glance
- Gavin Newsom signed a law requiring many health insurance plans to cover in vitro fertilization (IVF)
- California becomes the 15th state to mandate IVF coverage
- IVF treatments can cost tens of thousands of dollars
- The law takes effect in July 2025 for most and in July 2027 for government workers
- Exemptions include religious employers and Medi-Cal enrollees
California Leads with a New IVF Coverage Law
Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Senate Bill 729, turning California into the 15th state to require many health and disability insurance policies to cover the cost of in vitro fertilization (IVF). This landmark legislation underscores the state’s commitment to expanding reproductive health care and comes amid fervent national debates on reproductive rights.
This new mandate affects large group health plans covering at least 100 people, necessitating coverage for infertility diagnosis and treatments, including up to three egg retrievals and unlimited embryo transfers. The law impacts approximately nine million Californians and aims to alleviate the financial burden of IVF, which can run into tens of thousands of dollars. However, some religious institutions and Medi-Cal enrollees are exempt from this mandate.
https://twitter.com/CAgovernor/status/1840513340604633159
But is there more to the story here?
Implementation Timeline and Costs
This curiously timed piece of legislation is set to roll out starting July 2025 for most Californians. State employees under the California Public Employees’ Retirement System will see the law take effect two years later, in 2027. It’s crucial to note that the implementation is projected to hike health insurance premiums, potentially costing up to $80 million for state employees during the first two years.
Newsom has stated that this law aligns with California’s commitment to reproductive freedom – something Democrats keep telling us is under threat – ensuring that the right to fertility care, including IVF, remains protected. Something that isn’t at risk in California, a Democrat-run state, and which Republicans overwhelmingly have no problem with either. Trump has explicitly expressed support for IVF.
https://twitter.com/GavinNewsom/status/1840512852878348756
But it doesn’t matter what Trump says, does it? The Democrats always say he believes something different.
