What's Happening?
The Trump administration has introduced new guidance aimed at expanding access to fertility benefits, including in vitro fertilization (IVF). The guidance, issued by the departments of Labor, Treasury,
and Health and Human Services, allows employers to offer supplemental benefits for fertility services. These benefits would function similarly to dental, vision, and life insurance policies. While not mandatory, the guidance provides employers the option to include these benefits in their offerings. Heidi Overton, M.D., deputy director of the White House Domestic Policy Council, emphasized that this initiative would enable smaller employers to offer competitive benefits packages, addressing a gap where many workers desire access to fertility and family planning services. The guidance also encourages employers to address root causes of infertility, such as obesity and chronic conditions, and to collaborate with high-quality providers.
Why It's Important?
This development is significant as it addresses a key campaign promise by President Trump to expand access to fertility services. By allowing employers to offer fertility benefits, the administration aims to reduce the financial burden on families seeking IVF and other fertility treatments. The initiative could lead to higher live birth rates and fewer cycles needed for successful IVF implantation, potentially lowering miscarriage risks. Additionally, the guidance seeks to streamline administrative processes, improving the experience for both providers and patients. The move could also influence the healthcare market by encouraging more employers to offer fertility benefits, thus increasing competition and potentially driving down costs.
What's Next?
The Trump administration has also announced a deal with drugmaker EMD Serono to lower the price of its fertility therapy, Gonal-F, and expedite the approval of its IVF drug, pergoveris, which is currently available in Europe. The administration plans to list these medications on its direct-to-consumer platform, TrumpRx, at most-favored nation prices. This could lead to more affordable fertility treatments and increased access for families. Employers may begin to evaluate their benefits packages to include these new options, potentially leading to broader adoption of fertility benefits across various industries.