One of the things supporters of health care reform kept saying was that we just need to get the thing passed, we can make fixes later.
Now that health care reform has passed, it's time for progressives to make good on that promise and start making a list of things that need to be fixed in the bill--like the inclusion of the public option and dental care for adults.
One thing the bill lacks is coverage for infertility treatments such as IVF, egg donation, and artificial insemination. According to RESOLVE, the national infertility association, only 15 states currently require health insurance companies to cover infertility treatments, but that leaves citizens in 35 states without any coverage at all. Infertility affects more than 7 million Americans, and the majority must pay out of pocket if they want medical treatment.
I believe infertility treatments need to be covered by insurance companies, and here's why.
Infertility is a disease, and like other diseases such as influenza and diabetes, it should be covered.
It's cheaper overall to make insurance companies pay for these treatments. According to RESOLVE (via Stirrup Queens)
Some insurance companies and employers incorrectly believe that adding infertility coverage to a health benefit package leads to increased premiums. In fact, states that have passed laws requiring coverage of infertility treatment actually have reduced overall health care costs.
This is because people paying out of pocket tend to transfer lots of eggs and embryos and such in the beginning to "get the most bang for their buck", ending up in the hospital with complications from unintended multiples. We can do better.
Other countries that cover infertility treatments to some degree include:
Australia
Austria
Canada
Denmark
Germany
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Sweden
UK
We need to add the United States to that list. Are you with me?