POLITICS

NY to fast-track fertility coverage for same-sex couples

Thursday, February 11, 2021

NY to fast-track fertility coverage for same-sex couples

Same-sex couples in New York can get coverage for fertility services without first paying out of pocket for months of fertility treatments under a state directive in effect Thursda

ALBANY, New York (WABC) -- Same-sex couples in New York can get coverage for fertility services without first paying out of pocket for months of fertility treatments under a state directive in effect Thursday.

Current insurance law already requires insurers to cover fertility services.

But Gov. Andrew Cuomo directed the state Department of Financial Services to ensure that insurers begin covering fertility services immediately without couples having to first cover six to 12 months of out-of-pocket expenses for treatments including testing and donor insemination.

The state said it's received complaints of some same-sex couples facing such barriers, unlike heterosexual couples.

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Under Cuomo's direction, the Department of Financial Services will direct insurers to provide immediate coverage for fertility services for same-sex couples.

Top Cuomo aide Melissa DeRosa said the move will expand "access to safe and affordable fertility treatments."

"Family planning is a profoundly personal and emotional journey and it should not be made harder by bureaucracy," DeRosa said.