As of January 1, 2026, expanded fertility coverage extends to California residents with health insurance plans. The coverage includes IVF, which is great news for those Californians who wish to grow their family through assisted reproductive technology (ART). This is all thanks to Senate Bill 729 (SB 729).
Eligibility
For now, the mandate only applies to fully insured health plans. Those are group plans which your employer purchases from a commercial insurer (such as Aetna, Kaiser, United Healthcare, Anthem Blue Cross, and other large insurance corporations) in order to provide coverage for employees. And the mandate applies to those insurance plans issued, renewed, or amended on or after January 1, 2026. Likewise, California law must regulate your insurance plan. In some cases, California law doesn’t regulate certain insurers.
The law excludes Medicare and Medicaid, California Exchange (Obamacare, or Affordable Care), self-insured plans, small group plans, and individual plans. If you aren’t quite sure what your plan covers, or if it’s regulated by California law, ask your company’s HR department, or the person who oversees your employer’s health insurance.
Coverage extends to everyone, including same-sex couples and members of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as single individuals. Initially, the bill was to take effect on July 1, 2025. The six-month delay allowed insurers to prepare for the changes.
What does SB 729 Include
SB 729 makes infertility treatment easier to obtain by requiring insurance plans to provide access to the following services:
- Diagnosis of infertility and infertility-related treatment
- IVF
- Egg-retrieval, a lifetime maximum of three.
- Unlimited embryo transfers, according to the guidelines put forth by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).
- Fertility preservation when deemed medically necessary (such as cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy).
- Prescription medications related to infertility treatment.
- Copays and deductibles are the same as they are for other healthcare services.
The law doesn’t cover elective egg freezing, preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), or the costs associated with a gestational carrier. If you have a specific question about your coverage and costs related to these situations, please talk to your employer’s HR or insurance representative.
What SB 729 Means for Couples and Individuals
SB 729 is significant for those struggling with infertility and those who require ART to grow their families. By standardizing coverage and reducing the out-of-pocket costs for diagnoses, procedures, and medications previously covered by patients, SB 729 helps ensure equal access to fertility treatment for everyone. Here are some additional key reasons SB 729 is a game-changer for California residents seeking infertility treatment.
- Removes Financial Barriers: Infertility treatment and IVF are costly. Expanded insurance coverage removes those financial hurdles.
- Inclusivity: Now growing your family is an option for everyone, including singles and same-sex couples.
- Uniform Care: Insurers now must provide standardized coverage for core services and cannot prohibit procedures or deny specific claims.
- Removes the “Luxury” Connotation: Couples suffering from infertility may see OVF as a luxury, afforded only to the wealthier members of society. Mandated coverage means that infertility is a disease requiring treatment for all.
- Sets a Precedent: California’s SB 729 may encourage other states to follow suit. Broader reproductive care access is a plus for everyone.
Don’t Wait Any Longer
If you’re struggling with your fertility and you’re ready to find answers, we’re here for you. LA IVF is a leader in treatment for infertility. We’ll help you decode SB729 as it applies to your diagnosis and treatment. Let us help you grow your family. Please schedule a consultation with LA IVF today. There’s no reason to wait!
