California’s New Fertility Coverage Mandate: What SB 729 Means for You
The landscape of fertility care in California is changing. With the passage of SB 729, a groundbreaking new law, many individuals and couples will gain long-overdue access to insurance-covered fertility treatments, including in vitro fertilization (IVF). Signed into law on September 29, 2024, and set to take effect in July 2025, this mandate represents a significant shift in fertility care accessibility.
What Does SB 729 Cover?
For the first time, large-group health plans (those covering 100 or more employees) are required to provide infertility diagnosis and treatment coverage, which includes IVF procedures. Previously, fertility benefits were often optional or inconsistently offered, leaving many patients to cover out-of-pocket costs ranging from $12,000 to $25,000 per IVF cycle.
Under SB 729, covered benefits include:
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Up to three completed egg retrievals
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Unlimited embryo transfers
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Expanded eligibility for LGBTQ+ individuals and single parents, ensuring equitable access
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Significant financial relief for patients who previously had to self-fund their treatments
Why You Should Start Preparing Now
While insurance coverage officially begins in July 2025, getting started now is crucial for those looking to take advantage of this new benefit. Here’s why:
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Insurance Authorization Takes Time: Many insurance plans require 20 business days or more to process authorizations.
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Pre-Cycle Preparation Is Key: Patients must complete lab work, fertility testing, and consent forms, which can take two to three months before treatment can begin.
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Age Matters: Individuals over 38 may benefit from starting sooner rather than later to optimize their chances of success.
Start Your Journey Today
If you’re considering IVF and your employer offers a large-group health plan, now is the time to schedule a new patient consultation at Pacific Fertility Center in San Francisco and Marin County. By planning ahead, you can use the months leading up to July 2025 to complete necessary pre-cycle steps and be ready to move forward as soon as your coverage takes effect.
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About the Blog
Welcome to the Pacific Fertility Center Blog! Nationally and internationally recognized for providing exceptional reproductive care, our team believes in empowering people with the knowledge they need to navigate their unique fertility journeys.
From information on the latest fertility treatments to valuable insights on egg donation, surrogacy, and everything in between, the Pacific Fertility Center Blog is your ultimate resource for all things reproductive care and support. Read on to learn more, and contact us today if you have any questions or want to schedule a new patient appointment.