Survey: Infertility Coverage Not as Costly as Some Employers Think

According to a news release, 20% of employers surveyed cover in vitro fertilization, 37% cover drug therapy for infertility treatment and about 50% cover evaluation by an infertility specialist. More than 66% of these employers have been providing infertility coverage at their current level for more than five years.

The survey also found that 75% of employers who offer infertility treatment coverage do so to ensure employees have access to quality, cost-effective care, according to the release. Seventy-two percent said they offer infertility treatment coverage to be recognized as a family-friendly employer and attract and retain valued employees, and 65% reported responding to employee requests as the primary reason for covering infertility benefits.

Nearly 66% of employers who do not offer infertility treatment coverage cited the potential of increased cost as the main reason for not providing such benefits.

“This survey clearly debunks the myth that infertility coverage increases medical coverage costs significantly,” Joseph Isaacs, CAE president and chief executive officer of RESOLVE, said in the release. “The vast majority of employers, who in many instances offered self-insured benefits plans, acknowledged that coverage of infertility diagnosis and treatment has had little or no impact on their premium expense, and many report that it has been a boon to their recruitment and retention of valued employees.”

The national survey of more than 900 employers was conducted by Mercer Health and Benefits, commissioned by RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, and sponsored by Organon USA.