Maine Governor Janet Mills has signed into law “An Act to Provide Access to Fertility Care” (LD 1539).
The legislation, which goes into effect on January 1, 2023, requires private health care insurers to “provide coverage for medical interventions including fertility diagnostic care, fertility treatment and medically necessary fertility preservation,” according to the Boston-based GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders.
GLAD was part of the coalition, along with the LGBTQ political advocacy nonprofit EqualityMaine, to advocate for its passage.
“Fertility care is critical care for so many people, including LGBTQ+ people. Yet, without insurance coverage, it is out of reach for many due to the cost,” said Polly Crozier, senior staff attorney at GLAD in a news release. “We’re grateful to the Legislature and to Governor Mills for their action ensuring fertility coverage that is inclusive and best practice.”
According to GLAD:
Resolve New England (RNE), a nonprofit organization that provides support, education and advocacy for fertility patients, led the coalition to support LD 1539, which included LGBTQ legal advocacy organization GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD).
RNE and GLAD issued the following statements praising Governor Mills for signing the bill:
“We hear daily from people across New England who are struggling with fertility and family building. Without insurance coverage, many individuals and couples in Maine are going deeply in debt to try to make their dreams of parenthood come true, if they can even afford to try at all,” said Kate Weldon LeBlanc, Executive Director of Resolve New England. “We’re thrilled to see Governor Mills sign this important, pro-family legislation. This new law will considerably improve access to fertility care for all Mainers hoping to grow their families, including couples with infertility, LGBTQ+ people, cancer survivors and more.” …
GLAD Attorney Mary Bonauto added, “Fertility is an issue for many people, and this care will allow people to bring children into their lives when they are otherwise unable to do so. This law will more equitably support Maine people in building their families and will provide more families with access to quality, timely care.”
The bill’s effective date is 1/1/24 and allows the Bureau of Insurance time to address “reasonable limitations” on coverage. With the enactment of LD 1539, Maine joins states across the country that have recognized it is sound public policy to help people build their families and allow them to love and nurture our next generation of Mainers. New Hampshire passed a coverage bill in 2019, and fertility care laws in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island have been in place for decades and have become part of the fabric of the states’ health care systems. With LD 1539, 20 states across the country now have fertility insurance laws, including all the New England states except for Vermont.
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