Lisa Hernandez Passes Bill Covering Infertility, IVF Treatments and Tests in Health Plans

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Elizabeth ‘Lisa’ Hernandez, D-Cicero, is prioritizing access to in vitro fertilization services with legislation that will require insurance companies with pregnancy benefits to cover treatments and testing for infertility. 

“Making Illinois a safe and supportive place to raise a family necessitates that we support those struggling to start a family,” Hernandez said. “Birth rates continue to decrease year over year, and part of the problem is that women do not have access to meaningful IVF and infertility coverage, having to jump through hurdles if their body’s needs don’t meet arbitrary insurance requirements. This legislation makes sure the needs of families and what health insurance provides align.” 

The Hernandez-backed Senate Bill 773 requires health insurance policies that include pregnancy-related benefits to cover the diagnosis, screening and treatment of infertility, without limit to the number of rounds deemed medically necessary. Annual menopause visits would also be considered covered under new and renewed health plans. 

Senate Bill 773 passed the House on Tuesday, May 14 with overwhelming support. 

Hernandez has supported several key healthcare reforms during this legislative session to make insurance better, more comprehensive and affordable. 

She helped pass House Bill 5395 which curtails out-of-control gimmicks like ‘fail first’ policies that delay doctor-prescribed care for cheaper alternatives, junk insurance plans that don’t provide meaningful coverage, and unjustified premium increases that pad profits for large insurance companies.