Senate passes Cano bill requiring insurance coverage for diagnosing and treating infertility

            STATE HOUSE – The Senate today approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Sandra Cano that mandates all insurance contracts, plans or policies provide insurance coverage for the expense of diagnosing and treating infertility.

            “As someone who has experienced infertility issues and utilized IVF procedures, I know that experiencing infertility is a devastating and stressful time for any individual or couple who wishes to start or expand their family.  This bill will relieve some of that stress by ensuring that needed treatments are covered by insurance for prospective parents experiencing infertility issues, hopefully then leading to the birth of a healthy baby and a lifetime of wonderful experiences and memories,” said Senator Cano (D-Dist. 8, Pawtucket).

            The legislation (2024-S 2396) requires coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of infertility for women between the ages of 25 and 42 years, including preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) in conjunction with in vitro fertilization (IVF).  PGD is defined as a technique used in conjunction with IVF to test embryos for specific genetic disorders prior to their transfer to the uterus and infertility is defined in the bill as the condition of an otherwise presumably healthy individual who is unable to conceive or sustain a pregnancy during a period of one year.

            “It is fitting that this bill passed the Senate today after recognizing last week as National Infertility Awareness Week.  Infertility is more than a medical condition.  It is a journey filled with emotional, physical and financial challenges and this bill is an opportunity to raise awareness, break down stigmas and foster support for people facing infertility,” concluded Senator Cano.

            Senator Cano’s bill now heads to the House for consideration where Rep. Karen Alzate (D-Dist. 60, Pawtucket, Central Falls) has introduced the legislation (2024-H 7878).