Access to fertility treatments to build a family is critically important to so many people. Unfortunately, this healthcare is often out of reach without insurance coverage. GLAD Law is supporting legislation in Rhode Island to expand access to fertility care.

Expanding Fertility Coverage to Medicaid in Rhode Island

While Rhode Island requires private insurers to cover the costs of infertility services, the state does not require the same for people on Medicaid. This gap in coverage harms those who may be least able to afford the out-of-pocket costs associated with fertility healthcare, exacerbating disparities in access particularly for Black and LGBTQ+ people.

GLAD Law submitted testimony in support of H5771, legislation that will expand coverage for individuals enrolled in Rhode Island’s Medicaid programs by ensuring they have access to infertility diagnoses, fertility preservation services, and certain forms of fertility treatment. The bill also defines infertility to align with the standard of care articulated by the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, a definition that includes LGBTQ+ people. Additionally, HB5771 includes provisions to study and explore potential pathways for providing IVF coverage through Rhode Island’s Medicaid programs. Learn more.

Strengthening Rhode Island’s Private Insurance Mandate

Rhode Island’s private insurance mandate requiring private insurers to cover family-building healthcare is outdated and no longer reflects the medical standard of care. Currently, the law contains a definition of infertility that addresses only the needs of non-LGBTQ couples. As a result, LGBTQ people face significant barriers when trying to access the services they need to build families.

GLAD Law submitted testimony in support of S691, legislation that would strengthen state law to make fertility healthcare more accessible. The bill would align state law with the current medical standard of care as articulated by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine to include coverage of LGBTQ people, single people, and patients with conditions such as endometriosis or pelvic pain. S691 would also clarify aspects of fertility preservation coverage and add explicit nondiscrimination language to ensure all Rhode Islanders can equally access fertility treatment. Learn more.