Americans for IVF pushes bipartisan HOPE Act in new Congress

Americans for IVF is urging President Trump and congressional leaders to revive the HOPE with Fertility Services Act early in the new Congress, arguing the bill could expand IVF and fertility coverage while giving both parties a legislative win. The group says the measure would help families facing steep out-of-pocket costs and could move forward in a divided Washington.

Why it matters: - The HOPE with Fertility Services Act could expand insurance coverage for IVF, infertility diagnosis and treatment, and fertility preservation. - Americans for IVF says the bill would help families that cannot afford fertility care without employer health plan coverage. - The organization is framing the bill as a rare bipartisan issue that both President Trump and congressional Democrats could use to show results to voters.

What happened: - Americans for IVF urged President Trump and congressional leaders from both parties to reintroduce and advance the HOPE with Fertility Services Act, or H.R. 8119, early in the new Congress. - The group made the push after the midterm elections and ahead of a divided government. - Rabbi Moshe Margaretten, chairman of Americans for IVF, said IVF coverage should not become a partisan fight. - Dr. Joshua Klein, a fertility specialist and Americans for IVF advisory board member, said patients are focused on whether they can afford treatment that could help them have a child.

The details: - Reps. Zach Nunn, a Republican from Iowa, and Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a Democrat from Florida, originally introduced the bill. - The proposal would require qualifying group health plans and insurers that cover obstetrical services to also cover infertility diagnosis and treatment, including IVF, plus fertility preservation. - Because the current Congress ends in January, the bill will need to be reintroduced when the new Congress convenes. - Americans for IVF said some Republican cosponsors, including Nunn, lost reelection and will need to be replaced by new GOP backers. - The organization said the central barrier to care is whether a health plan covers the treatment a patient needs. - Families without fertility benefits may delay treatment, take on debt, or forgo parenthood plans altogether, the group said. - Americans for IVF wants the White House to publicly endorse the bill and work with sponsors to move it forward. - The group wants House committee leaders to hold an early hearing on coverage gaps and hear from patients, physicians, employers, and insurers. - Americans for IVF also wants congressional leaders from both parties to reintroduce the bill with bipartisan sponsors, build support, and bring it to a vote.

Between the lines: - The push is as much about political positioning as policy change. - Trump has an opening to act on a campaign promise to cover IVF costs. - Democrats have a chance to claim progress on a coverage priority they have promoted in Congress. - The group is trying to turn a shared campaign talking point into a concrete legislative package before partisan conflict dominates the agenda.

What's next: - Americans for IVF said it will keep bringing patients and physicians into discussions with lawmakers, federal agencies, and the White House. - The group wants the HOPE Act reintroduced early in the new Congress. - The organization is also pressing for a hearing and a public White House endorsement. - More information is available in the HOPE Act materials and on Americans for IVF.