Summary of Bill B 26-0486: Expanding Fertility Treatment Options Amendment Act of 2025

Introduction

The Expanding Fertility Treatment Options Amendment Act of 2025 was introduced by Councilmember Brooke Pinto on November 17, 2025, and is currently referred to the Committee on Health and the Committee on Business and Economic Development. The bill aims to enhance fertility treatment options for residents of the District of Columbia by mandating health insurance coverage for elective egg freezing and retrieval.

Purpose and Intent

The primary goal of this legislation is to support individuals, particularly women, in their family planning efforts by addressing age-related fertility decline. The bill recognizes that many women face challenges in conceiving as they age, largely due to declining egg quality. By allowing for elective egg freezing, the bill seeks to provide women with more options to preserve their fertility and improve their chances of successful pregnancies later in life.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes several significant changes to existing health insurance requirements under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Federal Law Conformity Act of 2000:

1. Coverage Requirements:

   • Starting January 1, 2027, health insurers offering large group, individual, and small group health benefit plans must cover:
     • Elective oocyte retrieval (egg retrieval) and oocyte cryopreservation (egg freezing).
     • At least three complete oocyte retrievals with unlimited embryo transfers from those retrievals.
     • The storage of frozen oocytes for a minimum period of 10 years.

2. Consistency with Medical Care:

   • All treatments must align with a physician's or surgeon's overall plan of care, ensuring that the procedures are medically appropriate for the patient.

3. Inclusion in DC Healthcare Alliance:

   • The DC Healthcare Alliance program will also be required to provide coverage for these fertility treatments starting on the same date.

Impact

The bill is expected to have a broad impact on:
- Women of reproductive age: By providing coverage for egg freezing, the legislation aims to empower women to make proactive decisions about their fertility.
- Healthcare providers: Physicians and fertility specialists will have clearer guidelines for treatment options covered by insurance, potentially increasing the number of patients seeking these services.
- Insurance companies: Insurers will need to adjust their policies to comply with the new coverage requirements, which may influence their pricing and plan offerings.

Procedural Aspects

• The bill is currently in the legislative process, having been referred to the relevant committees for review.
• Following committee approval, the bill will require the Mayor's approval and a 30-day congressional review period before it can be enacted.

Conclusion

The Expanding Fertility Treatment Options Amendment Act of 2025 represents a significant step towards enhancing reproductive health options for women in the District of Columbia. By mandating insurance coverage for elective egg freezing and retrieval, the bill aims to address the challenges posed by age-related fertility decline and support individuals in their family planning journeys.