SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — Insurance companies will soon be required to cover any fertility treatments that expectant parents gets recommended by their doctors.
Governor J.B. Pritzker signed into law Friday a guarantee starting in 2026 that insurance companies must cover all infertility treatments for patients recommended to them by a doctor, instead of only covering them after requiring them to complete different treatments that are deemed ineffective by their doctor.
Illinois grocery tax to end in 2026 State Senator Michael E. Hastings said in a release that the law he sponsored will help pave the way for Illinois families to get the treatment they need.
“Without in vitro fertilization, I wouldn’t be the proud father I am today,” Hastings (D-Frankfort) said. “I have felt the all-too-common stress and heartbreak of infertility. It’s past time to take bureaucracy out of health care.”
Hastings said the law was inspired by a constituent whose doctor recommended IVF, but their insurance provider would only cover the treatment if they completed other procedures first.
“While many states across the nation are working to restrict people’s ability to make their own family planning choices, Illinois is remaining a leader in protecting this type of care,” said Hastings. “No person should be denied having a family due to archaic laws.”
Also in the law is requiring insurance companies to provide coverage for an annual menopause appointment. That requirement will also go into effect in 2026.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
Local Illinois State
Most Popular
Comments / 0