Oregon Legislature passes bill requiring insurance coverage for fertility treatments

Oregon's House Bill 2959 is set to reshape the landscape of fertility treatment access, mandating health insurance coverage for specified fertility services. Introduced on February 11, 2025, the bill aims to address the significant issue of infertility, which affects over 12% of women of reproductive age in the U.S., according to the CDC.

The legislation requires health benefit plans to cover procedures and medications for infertility, with specific provisions for women under 35 who have been trying to conceive for 12 months, and for women 35 and older after six months. This move is seen as a critical step toward reducing health disparities, particularly for marginalized communities, including racial and ethnic minorities and LGBTQ+ individuals.

The bill also directs the Oregon Health Authority and the Department of Consumer and Business Services to conduct a study on access to reproductive treatments, with findings to be reported to legislative health committees. This study aims to further understand and improve access to fertility services across the state.

Notably, the bill has sparked discussions among lawmakers regarding its potential economic implications, including the possibility of reducing long-term healthcare costs by improving outcomes for mothers and children. However, some insurers may be exempt from these requirements, raising concerns about equitable access to care.

As an emergency measure, House Bill 2959 is effective immediately upon passage, signaling the urgency of addressing infertility issues in Oregon. With its focus on expanding healthcare access and reducing disparities, this bill could have lasting impacts on families seeking fertility treatments in the state.