DES MOINES, Iowa — A new federal bill introduced on Thursday could lower the cost of in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles.
Representative Zach Nunn of Iowa’s third congressional district proposed the Helping to Optimize Patients’ Experience (HOPE) with Fertility Services Act alongside other lawmakers in Washington, D.C.
The bill would require health plans that already cover obstetrical services to also cover infertility diagnosis, treatment and standard fertility preservation services. The goal is to help aspiring parents save thousands of dollars, as one IVF cycle can cost up to $25,000, and some patients require multiple cycles.
“The HOPE Act really helps give them [aspiring parents] hope by making sure those costs can be covered. In the same way we would do prenatal care, birthing care, child care, IVF should be part of those conversations,” Nunn told WHO 13 News.
The bill was introduced with bipartisan support in the U.S. House of Representatives.
“I think the bipartisan support really moves this in the right direction,” said Nunn.
