Connecticut families and reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ advocates testified yesterday before the Human Services Committee in support of legislation that will promote equity in access to family building, fertility preservation, and reproductive health care. HB 6617, “An Act Promoting Equity in Coverage for Fertility Health Care,” is part of the legislative agenda for the state’s Reproductive Rights Caucus and is supported by the Fertility Access Connecticut (FACT) campaign.
Paying out-of-pocket for fertility care is not accessible for most people who do not have fertility insurance coverage. HB 6617 would address the limitations of Connecticut’s current law, which excludes coverage for fertility care, including fertility preservation, entirely under HUSKY Health and typically excludes LGBTQ+ and single people from coverage requirements for private insurers.
“Connecticut residents should have the ability to make choices regarding reproduction, fertility, and family-building that are best for themselves and their families,” said Representative Jillian Gilchrest. “That includes being able to access and afford the medical care they need.”
“I’m proud of what Connecticut has done to update our laws to reflect our modern understanding of family, including LGBTQ+ families,” said Representative Jeff Currey. “HB 6617 would bring the state’s fertility insurance requirements up to speed with Connecticut’s other LGBTQ+-inclusive laws recognizing modern family formation.”
Under the current state mandate, private insurance companies are only required to cover fertility treatments for people diagnosed as “infertile.” Infertility is defined in reference to heterosexual intercourse, so LGBTQ+ and single people who need to access fertility care are often excluded. HB 6617 would expand the existing mandate to require coverage for LGBTQ+ and single individuals who need medical care to build their families, as well as people who are diagnosed infertile.
— from a GLAD press release
More: glad.org
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