Prince George's County mandates IVF and egg freezing coverage for employees

Under the bright lights of the Prince George's County Council chamber, a pivotal discussion unfolded regarding the future of reproductive health benefits for county employees. The Health, Human Services, and Public Safety Committee convened on February 20, 2025, to deliberate on CB 7 20 25, a proposed act aimed at expanding health insurance coverage to include in vitro fertilization (IVF) and egg freezing.

Chair Fisher introduced the legislation, emphasizing its importance in ensuring equitable access to fertility treatments for county employees. Sandra Eubanks, a key figure in the discussion, set the stage for the meeting, highlighting the necessity of this coverage in a state where fertility treatments can be prohibitively expensive, often ranging from $14,000 to $25,000 per cycle.

David Noto, a legislative budget and policy analyst, provided a detailed overview of the implications of CB 7 20 25. He noted that while Maryland law mandates health insurers to offer fertility treatments, the specifics of coverage can vary significantly. For instance, current plans offered by the county, such as those from Cigna, do not cover egg freezing at all, while other plans may only provide coverage under certain medical circumstances.

The committee learned that mandating coverage for IVF and egg freezing could lead to a modest increase in insurance premiums—estimated between 0.5% and 1.1%—but similar mandates in other states have shown minimal impact on overall costs. Noto reassured the committee that since IVF is already required under state law, the fiscal implications of CB 7 would likely be negligible.

As the meeting progressed, the committee members engaged in thoughtful discussions about the broader implications of this legislation. They recognized the importance of providing comprehensive reproductive health benefits as a means of supporting families and addressing the challenges many face in starting or expanding their families.

In conclusion, the committee's deliberations on CB 7 20 25 reflect a growing recognition of the need for inclusive health policies that cater to the diverse needs of the community. As Prince George's County moves forward, the outcome of this legislation could set a precedent for how reproductive health is approached in the workplace, potentially paving the way for more comprehensive benefits in the future.