Committee advances bill requiring state-plan coverage for fertility preservation for medical treatments that cause infertility

The Banking and Insurance Committee on Oct. 12 reported favorably on CS for Senate Bill 924 after adopting multiple amendments that narrowed and clarified coverage requirements for fertility preservation for people facing medically necessary treatments that may cause iatrogenic infertility.

Senator Claudio, the sponsor, said the bill ensures members of the State Health Insurance Plan who confront cancer and other medically necessary treatments that may cause infertility can access standard fertility‑preservation services without financial barriers. The sponsor cited national survival rates and the high costs of fertility preservation — testimony noted egg retrieval can cost up to $15,000 and sperm freezing about $1,000, with additional annual storage fees.

Committee amendments limited scope and refined definitions (including retaining the American Society of Clinical Oncology as a definitional reference) and added language clarifying coverage must be consistent with state law. A late-filed amendment clarified that coverage for services must be consistent with state law. The sponsor said preauthorization is not required so patients can make urgent decisions and begin treatment without delay; several senators raised concerns about timing, storage costs if a member leaves employment, and the overall fiscal impact to the state plan. Senator Burton said she would vote against the bill in committee citing unresolved questions about preauthorization and post‑retrieval storage obligations; the committee nevertheless adopted the amendments and reported the committee substitute favorably.

Ending: The bill advances with a narrower definition and clarifications; sponsors said they will continue work to limit fiscal exposure and refine eligibility criteria in subsequent committee stops.