SPRINGFIELD — Standard fertility preservation services, including storage, could soon be covered under Illinois-regulated health insurance plans, regardless of medical necessity or diagnosis of infertility, thanks to legislation introduced by State Senator Natalie Toro. 

“Fertility preservation services can be life-changing for people who want to have children, but for many different reasons, are not ready to start a family,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “I believe all Illinoisans should have access to reproductive health care, and this treatment is one more component of this important care.”

Fertility preservation is the freezing of embryos, eggs, ovarian tissue, sperm or testicular tissue for future reproduction. These treatments give people more flexibility and options when planning when to start a family. However, under current law, Illinois-regulated health insurance plans are only required provide coverage for medically necessary standard fertility preservation services, making these treatments largely inaccessible because of their high out-of-pocket costs.

To make this treatment more accessible, Senate Bill 2623 would require insurers to cover expenses for standard fertility preservation and follow-up services for any interested patient, not only those who have been diagnosed with infertility.

“Having the option to have a family later in life, especially when people with uteruses have felt like we have limited time, is life-changing,” said Toro. “I hope that my legislation allows many more Illinoisans to take advantage of this expanded coverage and plan for a family that works best with their lives.” 

Senate Bill 2623 awaits discussion in the spring legislative session.