California expands insurance coverage for IVF

A California law requiring certain health insurance plans to cover infertility treatment, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), took effect on January 1, 2026. It expands existing state requirements and applies primarily to large-group health plans offered by employers.

The law, Senate Bill 729, was passed by the California Legislature in 2024 and directs many state-regulated health plans to include coverage for IVF and other fertility treatments. As the new requirements take effect, more Californians seeking fertility care may now have insurance coverage for procedures that were previously excluded or only partially covered.

Why It Matters

Fertility treatment can be expensive, and IVF procedures often cost tens of thousands of dollars per cycle. Expanding insurance coverage can reduce financial barriers for people seeking fertility care.

Policies related to IVF and other assisted reproductive technologies have received increasing national attention as lawmakers debate how fertility treatments fit within broader reproductive healthcare policy.

Background

California law has long required certain insurance plans to cover infertility diagnosis and limited treatment, but most plans were not required to cover IVF.

Senate Bill 729 expands those requirements by directing large-group health plans regulated by the state to include coverage for IVF and other assisted reproductive technologies beginning in 2026.

Senate Bill 729 expands upon previous requirements by directing large-group health plans regulated by the state to include coverage for IVF and other assisted reproductive technologies beginning in 2026.

Key provisions include:

• Insurance plans must cover infertility diagnosis and treatment, including IVF.
• The requirement primarily applies to large-group employer health plans regulated by California.
• Coverage requirements apply only to state-regulated plans, meaning some employer plans governed by federal law may not be affected.

California joins a growing number of states that require some form of insurance coverage for infertility treatment.

Resources

Resolve - California IVF Insurance Mandate (SB 729) FAQ
Cal Matters - Millions of Californians gain access to in vitro fertilization under new law