This bill aims to amend the Code of West Virginia by introducing a new article focused on fertility care, specifically requiring medical insurance providers to include infertility services in their policies. The legislation recognizes infertility as a significant health issue affecting one in six couples and outlines the necessity for coverage of diagnosis, treatment, and preservation services related to infertility. It mandates that health carriers provide coverage for medically necessary fertility treatments, including evaluations, laboratory assessments, and procedures for fertility preservation when individuals are at risk of losing their fertility due to medical treatments.

Additionally, the bill establishes guidelines for permissible and prohibited limitations on coverage, ensuring that health carriers cannot impose different deductibles, copayments, or waiting periods for infertility services compared to other medical services. It also prohibits coverage limitations based on arbitrary factors such as age or number of attempts. The bill requires the Insurance Commissioner to propose rules for implementation and sets an effective date of January 1, 2027, for the new provisions. Overall, the legislation seeks to enhance access to fertility care for West Virginia residents, thereby improving health outcomes and supporting family growth.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 33-15F-1, 33-15F-2, 33-15F-3, 33-15F-4, 33-15F-5, 33-15F-6