H.R.2557 - IVF for Military Families Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2557, the IVF for Military Families Act, aims to amend Title 10 of the United States Code to provide fertility treatment, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), under the TRICARE program for active duty members of the uniformed services and their dependents. The bill mandates coverage for fertility-related care, including diagnosis and treatment, with specific provisions for IVF, such as limiting oocyte retrievals and following American Society for Reproductive Medicine guidelines for embryo transfers.
It also establishes a program for fertility-related care coordination within the Department of Defense, focusing on training and support for healthcare providers to address the unique needs of military families. The amendments would apply to services provided on or after October 1, 2027.
In short, the bill seeks to expand healthcare benefits for military families by including comprehensive fertility treatment options.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be to expand healthcare coverage under TRICARE to include fertility treatments, specifically IVF, for active duty military members and their dependents. This would increase access to reproductive healthcare services for this population.
Additionally, the establishment of a fertility-related care coordination program would improve the quality and timeliness of care by providing training and support to healthcare providers. The bill also sets specific guidelines for IVF treatment, such as limiting the number of oocyte retrievals.
Potential Benefits
- Increased Access to Fertility Treatment: Active duty military members and their dependents would gain access to fertility treatments, including IVF, which may have been previously unaffordable or inaccessible.
- Improved Healthcare Quality: The fertility-related care coordination program would enhance the quality of care through training and support for healthcare providers.
- Support for Military Families: Providing fertility benefits can alleviate stress and financial burdens associated with infertility, supporting the well-being of military families.
- Comprehensive Coverage: The bill covers a range of fertility treatments, including diagnosis, sperm/egg retrieval, and preservation of reproductive material.
- Alignment with Medical Standards: The bill references guidelines from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, ensuring that treatments adhere to established medical standards.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential Cost to Taxpayers: Expanding TRICARE coverage to include fertility treatments could increase healthcare costs, potentially burdening taxpayers.
- Ethical Concerns: Some individuals may have ethical or religious objections to certain fertility treatments, such as IVF or the handling of embryos.
- Implementation Challenges: Establishing and managing the fertility-related care coordination program may present logistical and administrative challenges.
- Limited Scope: The bill primarily benefits active duty military members and their dependents, excluding veterans or retired service members.
- Delayed Implementation: The amendments would not apply until October 1, 2027, delaying access to these benefits for several years.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause, as it aims to provide healthcare benefits to military families, potentially promoting their well-being. The expansion of healthcare benefits could be seen as an effort to "promote the general Welfare," as stated in the Preamble.
However, there are no specific constitutional provisions directly addressing healthcare benefits or fertility treatments. The power to legislate in this area is generally understood to fall under the implied powers of Congress to provide for the common defense and general welfare.
There are no apparent conflicts with individual rights or liberties protected by the Constitution.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).