CHICAGO, IL – Today, legislation championed by State Representative Margaret Croke (IL-12) to expand fertility treatment coverage in Illinois passed the Illinois State Senate. The legislation, which passed the House in April of this year and will now head to Governor Pritzker to be signed into law, will update Illinois’ insurance code to change the definition of infertility and expand the discrimination provision in the current law. Because of this legislation, fertility treatment coverage in Illinois will now include same-sex couples, women over 35, single women, and women who cannot get pregnant naturally due to a medical issue.
“Everyone looking to start or grow their family should have access to the same insurance coverage, regardless of gender, sexuality, age, relationship status or medical history,” said State Representative Margaret Croke. “The state’s insurance code has discriminated against many Illinoisans for too long, and I’m so proud to see legislation that will right these wrongs passed out of the General Assembly today. I hope everyone trying to become a parent in Illinois can see that they’re supported here, and I’m thrilled we are removing these barriers for those trying to welcome a child.”
There are numerous reasons someone seeking to welcome a child would seek fertility assistance, including male infertility, female infertility, single parents, LGBTQ individuals, or infertility due to a medical procedure or treatment. But current Illinois insurance law does not cover fertility treatment for many of these circumstances, and these procedures can be extremely expensive. The average cost of out of pocket fertility treatment is more than $10,000 depending on what services are needed. For those who are not covered under Illinois’ current insurance law, that could mean the hope of welcoming a child to the family is financially out of reach. Rep. Croke’s legislation will set things right, and ensure all Illinoisans can access the same insurance coverage.
The full amendment language can be found on ILGA.gov.