CVS's Aetna to broaden fertility coverage
CVS Health's Aetna will expand its fertility coverage starting Sept. 1 to include intrauterine insemination (IUI) for all patients, enhancing access for the LGBTQ+ community. This change follows a lawsuit settlement, requiring Aetna to reimburse patients and revise its fertility treatment policies. Previously, only couples with a history of trying to conceive were covered. Aetna’s chief medical officer emphasized that this policy change reflects Aetna's commitment to support diverse families in their journey to parenthood.
By Amina Niasse
NEW YORK, Aug 27 (Reuters) - CVS Health’s (CVS.N) Aetna health insurance unit will broaden its fertility coverage from Sept. 1 to begin paying for intrauterine insemination, regardless of the patient’s fertility status, a move that should to improve access for people in the LGBTQ+ community.
Previously, the insurer covered fertility treatments for couples who proved they had tried to get pregnant for six or 12 months.
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT
The decision comes after Aetna settled a lawsuit filed in May by lead plaintiff Emma Goidel, who claimed the company’s policies required her to spend $45,000 on fertility treatments in order to pursue intrauterine insemination.
Couples that could not conceive through heterosexual intercourse had to pay for treatments, according to court documents made public in May as part of a lawsuit.
CONTEXT
Aetna agreed in May to pay $2 million in reimbursement to patients and update policies to cover artificial insemination regardless of sexual orientation.
During intrauterine insemination, sperm is placed into the uterus during the time when a woman is fertile. Unlike IVF which involves multiple fertility treatments, IUI is the primary option for women in same-sex couples who want to conceive and have not experienced reduced fertility.
KEY QUOTE
“This industry-leading policy change is a stake in the ground, reflecting Aetna’s support of all who need to use this benefit as a preliminary step in building their family,” said Cathy Moffitt, Aetna’s chief medical officer.
