WeVote
Log In

Bill

ES

Bill

HB 565

Require health insurance companies doing business in Montana to cover IVF treatment

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Ed Stafman

Mandate Montana health insurers cover IVF treatment, increasing access to fertility care but raising premiums and creating coverage/moral objections debates.

(H) Died in Process
#health(seealso:healthcareservices;safety) #insurance
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 565

Legislative bill overview

HB 565 would mandate that health insurance companies operating in Montana include coverage for in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment in their health plans. The bill would establish IVF as a covered fertility treatment, requiring insurers to provide this service to policyholders rather than treating it as an optional or excluded procedure.

Why is this important

Fertility treatment costs are substantial—IVF cycles typically cost $12,000-$15,000 per attempt without insurance coverage—making access heavily dependent on personal wealth. This bill addresses whether the state should require insurers to democratize access to assisted reproductive technology or leave coverage decisions to individual insurers and employers.

Potential points of contention

  • Insurance cost implications: Mandated coverage increases insurance premiums for all policyholders, even those not using IVF services, raising questions about cost-spreading and affordability of base coverage
  • Moral and religious objections: Some stakeholders hold religious or philosophical views about reproductive technology that conflict with mandatory coverage requirements
  • Scope and limitations: Unclear whether the bill covers all IVF attempts, specific age limits, or marital/relationship status requirements, potentially creating coverage gaps or excessive costs
  • Market competitiveness: Mandatory coverage requirements may disadvantage Montana insurers compared to out-of-state competitors or affect insurer participation in the state market

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.