Advocates Call on Lawmakers Today to Support Bill to Increase Access to Family Building Healthcare
HB 1158 would Provide Insurance Coverage for Fertility Treatments for Families
Colorado Fertility Advocates at the Colorado State Capitol Building Today
DENVER – Today, Colorado Fertility Advocates gathered at the Colorado State Capitol building to call on lawmakers to support House Bill 1158, The Colorado Building Families Act, sponsored by Representatives Kerry Tipper (D-Lakewood) and Leslie Herod (D-Denver).
This legislation would expand access and remove economic barriers to fertility treatment by requiring health benefit plans to cover diagnosis through infertility, treatment for infertility, and fertility preservation services. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 12 percent of women of reproductive age in the United States have difficulty getting pregnant or carrying a pregnancy to term. Both men and women are affected by infertility equally, with one-third of infertility attributed to male factor, one-third to female factor, and one third to both partners according to the National Institute of Health.
“We are here today representing the countless people across the country that struggle with infertility whether it’s due to injuries sustained while serving their country, lifesaving medical treatments, or other natural causes,” said advocate Crystal Wilson. “This legislation will increase equity and access and ensure that your income isn’t a barrier to becoming a parent. We are grateful to our bill sponsors, and we are hopeful that other lawmakers will stand up for Colorado families.”
Even though infertility is a disease as determined by the American Medical Association, insurance coverage for fertility care is limited. The high costs of care often prevent Coloradans from accessing the treatment they need to build their families.
“This bill is about empowering all Coloradans with the information and financial support they need to become mothers and fathers and build a family,” said Rep. Tipper (D-Lakewood). “Facing challenges and delays on the road to becoming a parent can be heartbreaking, but having the option to start treatment knowing that your insurance will cover it, is priceless.”
“Starting a family is a wonderful and joyous occasion, and families need and should have as much support as possible,” said Rep. Herod (D-Denver). ”We need to cover infertility treatments just as much as we cover other essential health care service, and I’m proud to see so many advocates join us to demand this change.”
There are currently 17 states that have passed infertility insurance laws, including Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, Texas and West Virginia.
House Bill 1158 will be heard in the House Health and Insurance Committee on Wednesday, February 12th at 1:30 PM.
About Colorado Fertility Advocates: Colorado Fertility Advocates is a non-profit organization supporting families, advocating for fertility friendly legislation in Colorado, setting statewide industry standards, providing education and networking opportunities for fertility professionals and advocates.
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