ASRM Applauds the Introduction of the Family Building FEHB Fairness Act

Apr 25, 2023
Author: ASRM
Published in: ASRM Press Release

Washington, DC - The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), a leading champion for fertility coverage, is thrilled by today’s introduction of the Family Building FEHB Fairness Act of 2023 by Representatives Gerry Connolly (D-VA) and Nancy Mace (R-SC) in the United States House of Representatives. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) introduced a companion bill in the United States Senate.

This introduction comes on the heels of the US Office of Personnel’s (OPM) announcement updating health benefits for all federal employees with expanded assisted reproductive technology (ART) coverage in March of 2023.

This legislation requires Federal employee health benefit plans to include assisted reproductive treatment benefits, including:

• Assisted reproduction, including intravaginal insemination, intracervical insemination (ICI), and intrauterine insemination (IUI).
• In vitro fertilization (IVF).
• Preservation of human oocytes, embryos, or sperm for later reproductive use; and
• Such other treatments, procedures, medications, laboratory services, and technologies as determined appropriate by the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).

The introduction of this legislation on ASRM/RESOLVE’s annual Advocacy Day, during which thousands of Americans will advocate the importance of such measures to their Congressional representatives, is especially poignant.

“The time for accessible fertility treatment is now, and the Family Building FEHB Fairness Act is the final step to ensure that Federal employees have comprehensive reproductive health insurance coverage. The legislation would require Federal employee health benefit plans to include assisted reproductive treatment benefits, including IVF. The OPM has made great strides in mandating increasing coverage for fertility over the past few years, which I personally appreciate, but there is one more step to go. Congress must pass this bill to secure comprehensive fertility benefits for all federal employees so that they are supported in building the families that they choose. We applaud the introduction of this bill and commend Representatives Connolly and Mace, and Senator Duckworth, and their staff for their leadership,” said Michael Thomas, MD, ASRM President.

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For more information on this press release, contact: 

J. Benjamin Younger Office of Public Affairs 
726 7th St. SE
Washington, DC 20003
Tel: (202) 863-2494

For almost a century, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) has been the global leader in multidisciplinary reproductive medicine research, ethical practice, and education. ASRM impacts reproductive care and science worldwide by creating funding opportunities for advancing reproduction research and discovery, by providing evidence-based education and public health information, and by advocating for reproductive health care professionals and the patients they serve. With members in more than 100 countries, the Society is headquartered in Washington, DC, with additional operations in Birmingham, AL. www.asrm.org

Contact

Riley Rogers
Phone: 240-281-6552
Email: rrogers@asrm.org