H.R.3480 - Health Coverage for Inclusive and Valued Families Act of 2025; Health Coverage for IVF Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3480, also known as the "Health Coverage for Inclusive and Valued Families Act of 2025" or the "Health Coverage for IVF Act of 2025," aims to amend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to include fertility treatment and care as an essential health benefit. The bill defines fertility treatment and care to include various services such as oocyte/sperm/embryo preservation, artificial insemination, assisted reproductive technology (including IVF), genetic testing of embryos, medications, and gamete donation. It also sets requirements for health insurance coverage related to fertility treatment and care, prohibiting denial of care based solely on the lack of an infertility diagnosis.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would mandate that health insurance plans offered in the individual and small group markets cover fertility treatments and care as essential health benefits. This would increase access to these services for individuals and couples who may not otherwise be able to afford them. The bill also requires health insurance issuers to submit analyses of their utilization management tools related to fertility treatment and care to ensure compliance.
Potential Benefits
Here are some potential benefits to the American people:
- Increased Access to Fertility Treatment: Makes fertility treatments more accessible to individuals and couples who need them.
- Reduced Financial Burden: Lowers the financial burden associated with fertility treatments by including them as essential health benefits.
- Promotes Family Formation: Supports individuals and couples in their desire to start or expand their families.
- Standardized Coverage: Establishes standardized requirements for fertility treatment coverage in health insurance plans.
- Improved Data Collection: Requires analysis of utilization management tools, leading to better understanding and potential improvements in fertility care.
Potential Disadvantages
Here are some potential disadvantages or drawbacks to the American people:
- Increased Healthcare Costs: May lead to increased healthcare costs for all insured individuals due to the expansion of covered benefits.
- Potential for Overutilization: Could result in overutilization of fertility treatments if not managed appropriately.
- Ethical Concerns: Raises ethical considerations related to assisted reproductive technologies and genetic testing of embryos.
- Religious Objections: May face opposition from individuals or groups with religious objections to certain fertility treatments.
- Administrative Burden: Creates an administrative burden for health insurance issuers to comply with the new requirements.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the general welfare clause of the Constitution (Preamble), as it aims to promote the health and well-being of individuals and families by increasing access to fertility treatment and care. However, the Constitution does not explicitly address healthcare mandates, leaving room for debate about the extent to which the federal government can regulate health insurance coverage. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, which could raise questions about federal overreach into state insurance regulations.
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).