Bill to have insurance cover IVF treatment hits Missouri House

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - A bill being introduced in Jefferson City would require health insurers to pay for parents' in-vitro fertilization treatments, which is the practice of fertilizing an egg in a laboratory.

Representative Ladonna Appelbaum, who represents Missouri's 71st Congressional District, says this bill would help thousands of Missourians wanting to start families.

"This bill will give people that really want to have a family that may not be able to because of reproductive health issues. A chance to do that," says Appelbaum.

IVF treatment can vary in cost. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, a single cycle of treatment is estimated to cost between $15,000 and $20,000. The average number of cycles needed to become pregnant is 2.5, meaning the average cost of full IVF treatment can easily exceed $40,000. Appelbaum wants Missouri to join the other states with these insurance laws in effect.

"There are 23 states that are currently mandating insurance companies to do this. And its states that are near us like Arkansas, Louisiana, and Kentucky, they're doing that. And it's about time that Missouri steps up," says Appelbaum.

Most states do not require private insurance companies to cover any fertility services. Certain services are required in 21 states, but only 15 of those include IVF coverage.
Appelbaum is confident about the bill's future but says it will need as much support as possible.

"If you are passionate about IVF treatment, call your state representative. Call me. Call your state senator. Let's get this done. Let's make Missouri a place that people want to move to and bring family."

Applebaum explained that the bill will be discussed during the next legislative session, which begins on Jan. 8. She also says if the bill becomes a law, it will take effect in August 2025.

You can contact Representative Appelbaum at LaDonna.Appelbaum@house.mo.gov.