MMA Supports Mandated Coverage for IVF

March 21, 2024

The MMA recently signed onto a letter of support for SF 1704 (Maye Quade, DFL – Apple Valley), the MN Building Families Act, which mandates insurance coverage of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) services, sparing couples the financial challenges otherwise taken on while trying to get pregnant. 

Supporters testified that one in seven women have trouble getting pregnant or carrying a baby to term and, as a result, turn to alternatives such as IVF. However, Minnesota is one of 29 states that doesn't require insurance carriers to cover those costs. While some employer-based plans cover IVF, it is not required and tens of thousands of couples experience infertility with no coverage. 

“Minnesotans want to have children, and the thing standing in their way is money and insurance to cover the costs of the medical diagnosis they have,” said Sen. Maye Quade, the bill’s chief author. “I’ve had a lot of Minnesotans reach out to me after the Alabama decision talking about their fear over what’s going to happen as they continue to pursue IVF.” 

The Senate Health and Human Services Committee laid the bill over for future inclusion in a later Senate health omnibus bill. The companion bill, HF 1658 (Brand, DFL – St. Peter) is also on track for inclusion in a later House health omnibus bill.