Trump administration encourages employers to provide fertility benefits
Three federal agencies announced they’re drafting regulations that would allow employers to provide stand-alone, self-funded fertility benefits plans. Offered as what is called an “independent, non-coordinated excepted benefit,” a fertility benefit would be provided in a manner similar to how dental and vision coverage is offered to employees.
The regulations are in response to an announcement on October 17 from the Trump administration that urged U.S. employers to create new fertility benefit options to cover in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other infertility treatments. An executive order, signed by President Trump in February, encouraged policies that reduce out-of-pocket costs for IVF.
The Internal Revenue Service, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and the Employee Benefits Security Administration posted guidance regarding fertility benefits insurance explaining that an employee need not enroll in an employer’s traditional group health plan to qualify for an independent, non-coordinated benefit, such as a benefit related to infertility. A worker enrolled in a fertility benefit could also contribute to a health savings account, the agencies explained.
Employers may also offer heath reimbursement accounts that reimburse out-of-pocket fertility care costs, or cover coaching and navigator services through an employee assistance program to help employees understand their fertility options. These are examples of how employers might approach fertility benefits as limited excepted benefits.
The Trump administration has also arranged for the drug manufacturer EMD Serono to offer a discount on Gonal-F, a drug used in IVF procedures, when purchased through the TrumpRx.gov website.
Key to remember: Steps being taken by the federal government would allow employers to offer fertility benefits, much like they provide dental and vision benefits
