Starting January, large insurers in California must cover fertility treatments like IVF

Starting in January, many health insurance plans in California must start covering fertility treatments, including in-vitro fertilization.

SB 729, which passed in 2024, requires large group health plans with 100 or more employees to cover the diagnosis and treatment of infertility, like IVF. A single cycle of IVF can cost upwards of $20,000 in California, which has made it inaccessible for many families.

The law also expands the definition of infertility to include same-sex couples and single parents.

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“This action reinforces California's leadership in protecting reproductive rights and ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances, have the opportunity to build the family they dream of,” California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara said at the time of the bill’s signing.

At least 14 other states have similar IVF coverage mandates, according to Resolve, an organization that advocates for patients with infertility.

California’s policy originally was supposed to take effect in July 2025, but lawmakers delayed the implementation after a request from Gov. Gavin Newsom. A spokesperson told KFF News the state needed more time to provide guidance to insurers.

How does the new law work?

Under the new California mandate, health insurers have to cover up to three egg retrievals and an unlimited number of embryo transfers.

The new law is expected to cover about 9 million Californians; it doesn’t apply to religious employers or to Medi-Cal. For state employees who get their insurance through California Public Employees' Retirement System, or CalPERS, it’ll go into effect in July 2027.

How do I know if I’m covered? 

The law takes effect when employers' plans with insurers are renewed after Jan. 1, 2026 — so it might not be right away. Some insurers, though, have already implemented the coverage changes.

Advocates suggest asking your employer’s human resources department about what sort of health plan they have. Resolve has a decision tree to find out if your health plan has to cover IVF under the new law.