NEWS RELEASE
Rep. Jeff Brand
Minnesota House of Representatives
District 18A – 651-296-8634– rep.jeff.brand@house.mn.gov
501 State Office Building, St. Paul, MN 55155
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Marlee Schlegel
651-296-9873 or marlee.schlegel@house.mn.gov
March 7th, 2024
Rep. Jeff Brand Introduces Bill to Require Insurance Coverage of Fertility Treatment
SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Yesterday, Rep. Jeff Brand (DFL – Saint Peter) introduced legislation to require all health plans operating in Minnesota that provide maternity coverage to also cover infertility diagnosis and treatment. The proposal would also prohibit health plans from requiring higher cost-sharing for infertility services than for maternity coverage. This requirement would not apply to Minnesota Medicaid or to MinnesotaCare, the state’s basic health plan. If passed, the average additional monthly cost increase would be just $1.30 per member, making it affordable, practical, and a smart move for Minnesota.
“Across the country, fertility treatment like IVF is beginning to lead the political war over reproductive rights, and it’s ridiculous,” said Rep. Brand. “Here in Minnesota, we’re not just making sure folks have the right to fertility treatment, we’re making sure it’s accessible. With this bill, Minnesotans struggling with infertility will have the financial ability to access treatment to start their families. I’m proud to carry this legislation and look forward to seeing it through.”
The bill passed the committee on a party-line vote. The House Commerce hearing for the bill can be viewed here. The bill was referred to the Health Policy and Finance Committee.
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