RESOLVE Board Members, including CFA’s own Judith Hoechst, attend the closing bell at NASDAQ during NIAW.
Judith Hoechst - Pope Francis’ Comments on Surrogacy…Response to Pope’s Surrogacy Ban
New Message from Barbara Collura, President/CEO RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association
As I send this, I’m preparing to head to Washington, D.C. to attend the State of the Union address as a guest of my Congressman, Gerry Connolly (VA). This is one of the proudest moments I’ve ever had as President/CEO of RESOLVE. I will stand proudly in attendance and represent you.
Ever since the Alabama Supreme Court ruling which forced a suspension of IVF care, thousands of people have been speaking out all over the country to preserve its legality and accessibility. This is a moment where all branches of our government and both political parties are talking about our issues. It’s important that we stand together and show our strength as a community.
The time is now to share the message that IVF is under attack and there are ways that Congress can help keep IVF legal and available in the U.S. We ask all who care about keeping IVF legal and available to send a letter to Congress today, in honor of RESOLVE being present at the State of the Union, and ask your elected officials to support the Access to Family Building Act and protect IVF in the U.S.
In solidarity,
Barbara Collura
President/CEO
RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association
Alabama Supreme Court's Frozen Embryo Ruling Explained: Impact On IVF, Parents, & Stem Cell Research
Judith Hoechst - Pope Francis’ Comments on Surrogacy… Advocates Response to Pope Ban on Surrogacy
Colorado Donor-Conceived Person Protection Law Opens Public Comments On Proposed Rules
Dr. Cassandra Roeca Interview on Comprehensive Coverage Bill in Colorado
WHO report: 1 in 6 people experience infertility
We applaud University of Colorado a self insured health plan for adding fertility benefits and supporting Colorado families. We hope that all Coloradans will have access to the same family building resources across all employers
https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/open-enrollment/sessions-fairs/fertility-benefit
On April 13, 2022, Governor Polis signed into law HB22-1008 on Implementation of Fertility Coverage.
In 2020, Colorado passed HB20-1158 Colorado Building Families Act requiring insurance plans under Colorado law to provide coverage for fertility diagnosis, preservation, and treatment. However, a provision of the law required an affirmative determination that the law would not trigger defrayal (a requirement that the state could be financially responsible for any increase in premiums) under the Affordable Care Act. That determination was not made and the law did not go into effect. However, defrayal is not an issue under the Affordable Care Act for large group market plans, but the Colorado Building Families Act did not distinguish between different insurance markets.
HB22-1008 requires large group plans (applicable to employers with over 100 employees) under Colorado law to provide coverage for fertility diagnosis, preservation for cancer patients and others at risk of medically-induced fertility, and treatment, including up to three rounds of IVF and unlimited transfers, for plans initiated in 2023 or later.
Note that HB22-1008 did not resolve coverage for individual and small group markets under Colorado law. Further, Colorado law does not affect insurance plans under federal law (self insured, Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, etc.) or the law of another state, which may or may not require or provide fertility coverage. Be sure to check whether your employer is self-insured or fully-insured and part of the large group insurance market subject to Colorado law.
There is still work to be done at the Federal level, which is why Colorado Fertility Advocates have partnered with RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association to continue our advocacy efforts in Washington DC. Please join us on May 18, 2022, remotely, as we speak to members of Congress and advocate for fertility friendly benefits. Click here to join us! Additionally, many advocates have had great success requesting and advocating for benefits in their workplace. RESOLVE provides a "Advocacy in the Workplace Toolkit" and resources to help you gain these valuable benefits for you and your colleagues.
Huge Thank you to Governor Polis, Representative Tipper, Representative Soper, Senator Fenberg, Senator Winter, RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, ASRM, The Family Building Coalition, and all our Colorado Fertility Advocates for their support.
Denver 7 - “Colorado bill to force insurance companies to cover infertility treatment held up; thousands without coverage” - JAN 21, 2022
Dear Coloradan,
Just over a year ago, Governor Polis signed the Colorado Building Families Act into law to provide comprehensive infertility coverage for over a million Coloradans. Since then, concerns by the Administration regarding the Affordable Care Act (ACA) might jeopardize coverage for those who receive their health insurance through the ACA Health Insurance Exchange. We have an immediate opportunity to resolve this issue by asking the State to include this comprehensive coverage as part of its ACA - Benchmark Health Insurance Plan Selection.
The State’s Division of Insurance (DOI) is requesting comments on proposed changes to its Benchmark Plan, and the family building community must be heard. Let’s show DOI how strong our community is and why infertility coverage needs to be improved in the State’s Benchmark Plan.
Please personalize and send this email and urge DOI to honor its commitment to providing comprehensive and inclusive infertility coverage to all Coloradans.
Comments are due by April 30, 2021, so act now, and please share with anyone in the state who cares about family building for all.
Thank you for taking action!
Betsy Campbell
Chief Engagement Officer
RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association
March 2021, Update On Colorado Building Families Act
Should Insurance Cover IVF? The Centennial State Joins The Growing Crowd That Says Yes
Colorado becomes the 18th state with fertility coverage.
By: Ellen Trachman
HB20-1158 The Colorado Building Families act has been signed into law by the great Governor Jared Polis!
Colorado has become the 18th state in The United States with Fertility Coverage and the 10th state with Fertility Preservation for Cancer Patients!
Thank you all for all your passion and efforts in support of this bill and Colorado Families!
Thankful for the partnership and guidance of RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association and Alliance for Fertility Preservation
Thank you to our leaders and lawmakers Representative Kerry Tipper Representative Leslie Herod Senator Faith Winter Senator Steve Fenberg
Governor Polis said "The bill will help families have children in the wake of COVD-19 and is important for our state's future economic success."
The law would “remove barriers and ensure all Coloradans can achieve their dreams of becoming parents,” Winter said.
From Erin McCann, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: Saturday, March 14, 2020
CONTACT: Erin McCann
(303)746-2365
Senate Passes Bipartisan Bill to Increase Access to Family Building Health Care
HB 1158 would Provide Insurance Coverage for Fertility Treatments for Families
DENVER – Today, House Bill 1158 The Colorado Building Families Act sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Stephen Fenberg (D-Boulder) and Senator Faith Winter (D-Westminster) passed through the Senate on a bipartisan 21 to 9 vote with 5 excused. This legislation would expand access and remove economic barriers to fertility treatment by requiring health benefit plans to cover diagnosis of infertility, treatment for infertility, and fertility preservation services. According to the Centers for Disease Control one in eight Americans suffer from infertility. Men, women and those that identify outside the gender binary are affected by infertility equally.
"While there is no one magic silver bullet to addressing infertility concerns for parents in waiting, there is medical treatment available, and we have to make sure that it's affordable and accessible to every Coloradan," said Majority Leader Fenberg. "I'm hopeful now that this bill has passed both chambers with bipartisan support, it will be that much more attainable for families waiting to fulfill their dreams of parenthood."
“For too many families the financial burden is the greatest challenge they must overcome to fulfill their dreams of parenthood,” said Senator Winter. “Becoming a parent should not be a luxury for the wealthy, but affordable to all Colorado families. By providing insurance coverage for fertility treatments we can increase access, remove economic obstacles, and ensure that all Coloradans that want to can start a family.”
Even though infertility is a disease as determined by the American Medical Association, insurance coverage for fertility care is limited. House Bill 1158 will reduce the financial strain on families while minimally impacting insurance premiums. In other states, premiums have increased by around $1.00 per month per member and by only 55 cents in the state of New York. In some states, costs are estimated to slightly decrease.
“While it affects a large number of people, infertility is not often talked about as a public health issue, “said Crystal Wilson from Colorado Fertility Advocates. “Imagine if your doctor told you had kidney problems, but insurance wouldn’t cover the diagnostic testing. Or you were injured serving your country, but the treatment for your injury wouldn’t be paid for. This is a medical issue that should be covered like any other.”
“Cancer is a lot to swallow, and it comes with so much more baggage than anyone expects or even warns you of,” said Valeria Pernas, a cancer survivor who was forced to raise money to preserve her fertility before undergoing lifesaving treatment. “For health insurance to cover the costs of fertility preservation to lift some financial burden off of cancer patients like me is absolutely crucial for a patient’s livelihood and their quality of life during and after treatment.”
By providing insurance coverage for fertility, Colorado will join 17 other states across the nation that are increasing access to necessary healthcare treatments and standing up for hardworking families. The Colorado Building Families Act, will now head to Governor Jared Polis for his signature.
###
About Colorado Fertility Advocates: Colorado Fertility Advocates is a non-profit organization supporting families, advocating for fertility friendly legislation in Colorado, setting statewide industry standards, providing education and networking opportunities for fertility professionals and advocates.
THANK YOU COLORADO SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR PASSING HB20-1158 IN SUPPORT OF COLORADO FAMILIES.
ADVOCATES WE HAVE PASSED CONCURRENCE IN THE HOUSE! GOVERNOR JARED POLIS PLEASE SUPPORT HB20-1158
Thank you to our bill sponsors Senator Faith Winter Senator Steve Fenberg Representative Leslie Herod Representative Kerry Tipper for all your leadership and support!!!!!
House Bill 1158 — sponsored by Reps. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood, and Leslie Herod, D-Denver —
Would require health benefit plans to cover infertility diagnosis and treatment, as well as fertility preservation care. The bill would bar a plan from imposing limits on fertility medications or care that don't apply to other types of prescriptions or services under the same plan. On Feb. 19, HB1158 passed the House on third and final reading. It headed to the Senate, where Sens. Faith Winter, D-Westminster, and Stephen Fenberg, D-Boulder, are sponsors.
Health insurance bills take incremental steps toward better coverage
40 years later, why is IVF still not covered by insurance? Economics, ignorance and sexism
Insurance companies have historically stayed away from: women's bodies. Because infertility has long been considered a women's health issue, insurance companies perceived it as a niche issue and denied coverage to those experiencing it. This is despite the fact that nearly half of all cases are due to "male factor infertility." * Just 30 years ago, "most insurance companies didn't even cover obstetrics [childbirth]. It was all out of pocket," Paulson said. * 8 million babies have been born as a result of IVF * 12% of American women have difficulty becoming pregnant or carrying a pregnancy to term, making infertility a condition roughly as common as diabetes. * IVF is not, in most cases, covered by insurance. For the vast majority of the infertile population, this means they either have to take on considerable debt or avoid receiving treatment and likely the chance to have children altogether. Insurance is not just about postponing death but promoting well-being * "This has to be an effort that comes up from the grass roots. It has to come from patients," Gross said. "It is extraordinarily exposing" to talk about infertility in public, but change will happen only when more people are "willing to be the face behind the issue." Gross was going through infertility treatment herself while advocating for this law. *
Colorado lawmakers could soon force insurance companies to cover infertility treatment
Mallery and her husband have had to come up with all that money out-of-pocket because most insurance plans don't cover infertility treatment — not even for a former combat veteran. "It is devastating to realize that after taking care of my country and taking care of everyone else, that when I came back and I was broken, there was no one there to take care of me." The lack of coverage leaves families determined to have a baby naturally with few options: Pay tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket, take out high interest loans, or worse, decide they can't afford to try.
CONGRATULATIONS ADVOCATES! HB20-1158 has passed the Senate Health and Human Services Committee with bipartisan support ! Thank YOU for all your hard work !
Thank you Rhonda Fields for Colorado, Senator Faith Winter, Senator Larry Crowder, Joann Ginal for Colorado House District 52 for your support of Colorado families!
Please make sure you email your Senators !
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: Thursday, February 27th, 2020
CONTACT: Erin McCann
(303)746-2365
Senate Committee Passes Bill to Increase Access to Family Building Health Care on Bipartisan Vote
HB 1158 would Provide Insurance Coverage for Fertility Treatments for Families
DENVER – Today, House Bill 1158 The Colorado Building Families Act sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Stephen Fenberg (D-Boulder) and Senator Faith Winter (D-Westminster) passed through the Senate Health and Human Services Committee on a bipartisan four to one vote. This legislation would expand access and remove economic barriers to fertility treatment by requiring health benefit plans to cover diagnosis of infertility, treatment for infertility, and fertility preservation services. According to the Centers for Disease Control one in eight Americans suffer from infertility. Both men and women are affected by infertility equally according to the National Institute of Health.
“Your income should never be a barrier to becoming a parent,” said Senator Winter. “By providing insurance coverage for fertility treatments we can increase access, remove economic obstacles, and ensure that all Coloradans can achieve their dreams of starting a family.”
Even though infertility is a disease as determined by the American Medical Association, insurance coverage for fertility care is limited. House Bill 1158 will reduce the financial strain on families while only minimally impacting insurance premiums. In other states, premiums have been increased by as little as $1.06 per month per member and in some states, costs are estimated to slightly decrease.
Colorado Fertility Advocates held a press conference at the State Capitol Building today to call on lawmakers to support this legislation.
“Starting a family should have been wonderful and joyous, but unfortunately it was painful and beyond my financial reach for many years,” said advocate Judith Hoechst. “My health insurance shut off all coverage of infertility treatment the moment I was diagnosed with infertility. House Bill 1158 is important to so many hopeful future parents, and I’m so glad this bill will move forward on behalf of Coloradans struggling to have families.”
“Cancer is a lot to swallow, and it comes with so much more baggage than anyone expects or even warns you of,” said Valeria Pernas, a cancer survivor who was forced to raise money to preserve her fertility before undergoing lifesaving treatment. “For health insurance to cover the costs of fertility preservation to lift some financial burden off of cancer patients like me is absolutely crucial for a patient’s livelihood and their quality of life during and after treatment.”
By providing insurance coverage for fertility, Colorado will join 17 other states across the nation that are increasing access to necessary healthcare treatments and standing up for hardworking families. The Colorado Building Families Act, will now head to the Senate Appropriations Committee.
###
About Colorado Fertility Advocates: Colorado Fertility Advocates is a non-profit organization supporting families, advocating for fertility friendly legislation in Colorado, setting statewide industry standards, providing education and networking opportunities for fertility professionals and advocates.
CALL TO ACTION!
House Passes Bipartisan HB20-1158 “Building Families Act” to Increase Access to Essential Family Building Health Care
CONGRATULATIONS Colorado Fertility Advocates! Colorado House of Representatives passed House Bill 1158, The Colorado Building Families Act, sponsored by Representatives Kerry Tipper (D-Lakewood) and Leslie Herod (D-Denver) on a bipartisan vote. We are now headed to the SENATE!
NOW it is your time for ACTION to support The Colorado Building Families Act. If you have already emailed your Senator, please mention that you are following up with exciting news to share that HB20-1158 has moved to the Senate and you are counting on their support.
Please personalize and send this email to your Senators :
Dear [Senator XXX],
I am a constituent of yours, and I would like to ask you to please support House Bill 1158, The Colorado Building Families Act. This legislation expands access and removes economic barriers to fertility treatment by requiring insurance plans to cover diagnosis of infertility, treatment for infertility, and fertility preservation services.
<INSERT OPTIONAL BRIEF PERSONAL STORY>
One in eight Americans suffer from infertility and both men and women are affected by infertility equally. In other states where fertility coverage is provided premiums only increased around one dollar per month to help deserving people build their families. This legislation is designed to ensure the best health outcomes for mothers and their babies and actually results in long-term health care savings.
Please support House Bill 1158 and help your constituents and all Coloradans who are parents in waiting access the healthcare they need to build their families.
Sincerely,
<YOUR NAME>
HB-201158 "The Colorado Building Families Act", passed the House Health and Insurance Committee UNANIMOUSLY!!!!!
Thank you Advocates for your compelling testimony and our supporting Advocates in the crowd!Representative Kyle Mullica, House District 34 Representative Kerry Tipper, Representative Brianna Titone, Representative Yadira Caraveo, State Rep Janet Buckner Perry Will House District 57, Representative People For Susan Lontine, Representative Matt Soper, Representative Leslie Herod, Representative Mark Baisley, State Representative Dominique Jackson.
Thank you Representatives for your support!!!
Colorado lawmakers could soon force insurance companies to cover infertility treatment
Bill requiring insurance coverage for infertility passes Colorado House
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: Wednesday, February 19, 2020
CONTACT: Erin McCann
(303)746-2365
House Passes Bipartisan Bill to Increase Access to Essential Family Building Health Care
HB 1158 would Provide Insurance Coverage for Fertility Treatments for Families
DENVER – Today, the Colorado House of Representatives passed House Bill 1158, The Colorado Building Families Act, sponsored by Representatives Kerry Tipper (D-Lakewood) and Leslie Herod (D-Denver) on a bipartisan vote. This legislation would expand access and remove economic barriers to fertility treatment by requiring health benefit plans to cover diagnosis of infertility, treatment for infertility, and fertility preservation services. According to the Centers for Disease Control one in eight Americans suffer from infertility and both men and women are affected by infertility equally.
“Today, the House passed critical legislation to require insurance companies to cover infertility treatment,” said Representative Tipper. “Coloradans across our state, whether they are suffering from infertility due to a life saving cancer treatment, natural causes, or a combat related injury are having to choose between heart-wrenching financial decisions or giving up their dream of being parents. No one should be forced to give up parenthood because of cost of treatment.”
“I’ve heard from countless constituents that it is cost prohibitive to seek infertility treatment because their insurance won’t cover it,” said Representative Herod. “With House passage today, we are one step closer to breaking down one of the most significant barriers to starting a family for Coloradans who are suffering from infertility.”
Even though infertility is a disease as determined by the American Medical Association, insurance coverage for fertility care is limited. House Bill 1158 will reduce the financial strain on families while only minimally impacting insurance premiums. In other states, premiums have increased by less than one percent.
“The families we work with may struggle with fertility for a variety of reasons, but one thing they have in common is an economic barrier to the medical treatment they deserve,” said Crystal Wilson from Colorado Fertility Advocates. “Threats of large premium increases to cover fertility treatments are just not accurate because they don’t look at the whole picture. In other states where fertility coverage is provided premiums increased around one dollar per month to help people build their families.”
Due to the initial cost of In vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment, consumers often resort to riskier and less effective options which when successful often result in premature and multiple births. Studies show that states that do not require insurance coverage have the highest rate of live births of multiple infants, while states that provide fertility coverage have fewer rates of multiple births. Multiple pregnancies cost about $4.2 billion more than single pregnancies in pre-term care. Studies estimate the national savings from fewer multiple births would be over $6 billion a year.
Many businesses are already providing this coverage. A survey conducted by insurance broker Willis Towers Watson indicated that 55 percent of employers offered fertility benefits to their employees, and 91 percent of employers offering these benefits have not experienced increases in their medical costs. Across the political spectrum from New York to Arkansas, 17 other states have infertility insurance laws. This bill will now head to the Senate.
###
About Colorado Fertility Advocates: Colorado Fertility Advocates is a non-profit organization supporting families, advocating for fertility friendly legislation in Colorado, setting statewide industry standards, providing education and networking opportunities for fertility professionals and advocates.
Listen to the testimonies from February 12, Committee Hearing
Click House Committees, Click House Health & Insurance, in 2020 House Health & Insurance Archived Audio find February 12 to listen the the audio
HOUSE HEALTH & INSURANCE COMMITTEE Wednesday, February 12, 2020 01:30 PM
HB20-1158 Ins Cover Infertility Diagnosis Treatment Preserve Tipper, Herod and Winter
Colorado Bill Would Require Health Plans To Cover In Vitro Fertilization
PRESS RELEASE
DATE: Wednesday, February 12th, 2020
CONTACT: Erin McCann
(303)746-2365
Bill to Increase Access to Family Building Health Care Unanimously Passes House Committee Today
HB 1158 would Provide Insurance Coverage for Fertility Treatments for Families
DENVER – Today, House Bill 1158 The Colorado Building Families Act sponsored by Representatives Kerry Tipper (D-Lakewood) and Leslie Herod (D-Denver) passed through the House Health and Insurance Committee. This legislation would expand access and remove economic barriers to fertility treatment by requiring health benefit plans to cover diagnosis of infertility, treatment for infertility, and fertility preservation services. According to the Centers for Disease Control one in eight Americans suffer from infertility.
“For many Coloradans cost is the number one barrier to building a family,” said Representative Tipper. “We have spoken with people that have had to sell their home, cash in their retirement or were forced to abandon their dreams of becoming parents. Whether they are suffering from infertility due to a combat related injury, a lifesaving cancer treatment or from other natural causes no one should be forced to give up parenthood.”
“I’m proud to stand here today as a sponsor of this bill, and very pleased to see it move through committee,” said Representative Herod. “I have spoken with so many people from my district about this issue, and this bill is about equity and access. It's time to break down the barriers that are making it financially impossible for too many Coloradans to start a family."
Even though infertility is a disease as determined by the American Medical Association, insurance coverage for fertility care is limited. House Bill 1158 will reduce the financial strain on families while only minimally impacting insurance premiums. In other states, premiums have been increased by as little as $1.06 per month per member and in some states, costs are estimated to slightly decrease.
Colorado Fertility Advocates held a press conference at the State Capitol Building today to call on lawmakers to support this legislation.
“Cancer is enough to deal with, without having to deal with the costs and heartbreak of infertility as well,” said Carley Rutledge who was diagnosed with cancer at an early age. “If fertility treatments and preservation were covered by health insurance, it would have been much more likely that I would have had the opportunity to preserve my eggs for the future.”
Both men and women are affected by infertility equally, with one-third of infertility attributed to male factor, one-third to female factor, and one third to both partners according to the National Institute of Health.
“My family and I are here today to stand up for all Coloradans struggling to build a family,” said Colorado veteran Tyler Wilson. “No one should be punished for serving their country. We are grateful that House Bill 1158 moved forward today and that we can give hope to countless parents in waiting.”
By providing insurance coverage for fertility, Colorado will join 17 other states across the nation that are increasing access to necessary healthcare treatments and standing up for hardworking families. The Colorado Building Families Act, will now head to the House Appropriations Committee.
###
About Colorado Fertility Advocates: Colorado Fertility Advocates is a non-profit organization supporting families, advocating for fertility friendly legislation in Colorado, setting statewide industry standards, providing education and networking opportunities for fertility professionals and advocates.
One in eight people struggle with infertility. Colorado lawmakers want insurance to cover treatment
“We want to make sure that anybody that is diagnosed with infertility after us don’t have to fight like we did,” Crystal Wilson said. “We don’t want other people, years or generations down the line, to have to fight the same fight.”
“Infertility is a bipartisan issue,” Will said. “It impacts everyone. It’s about family.”
The bill now heads to the House Appropriations Committee for its next hearing. If signed into law, the legislation would take effect on Jan. 1, 2022.
New push to expand coverage for fertility treatments moves forward at Colorado Capitol
Colorado lawmakers consider insurance coverage for infertility treatment
“Cancer Survivor Testifies In Favor Of Bill To Require Insurance To Cover Infertility Treatment”
A great story about one of the testimonies for “The Colorado Building Families Act" that passed the House Health and Insurance Committee UNANIMOUSLY today!
“Infertility Treatment Coverage Bill To Be Introduced At Legislative Session”
CBS 4 does a story about a bills being introduced this legislative session that addresses infertility treatment.
“PIDEN APOYO PARA EL PROYECTO DE LEY 1158”
Ask for support article in Spanish.
“Advocacy group pushing for IVF insurance coverage in Colorado”
“A group of women recently launched Colorado Fertility Advocates (CFA). They are hoping to raise awareness about struggles related to infertility and promote insurance coverage for treatment.” and “CFA is hoping to change the law in Colorado. They are pushing for coverage of diagnosis, preservation and treatment for infertility.”
Listen to Dr. Christina Yannetsos’ story on I Want To Put A Baby In You podcast
Season 8 Episode 71: From Fighting for Team USA to Fighting for Change in Colorado
Listen to Crystal and Tyler Wilson’s sorry on I Want To Put A Baby In You podcast
Season 3 Episode 22: The Battle For A Family After The Military - Crystal and Tyler Wilson
Infertility and Its Cost Obstacles
Panel Event hosted by CFA on January 15, 2020
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The recent Dobb's vs Jackson Supreme court ruling interferes with access to safe and equitable reproductive patient… https://t.co/xDAFAaxQJ6 -
RT @ReprodMed: Roe has been overturned. Where do we go from here? ASRM is working day and night to get clarity for you - the publ… https://t.co/dhuVz6DdaD