Press Releases

Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA), Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation, released the following statement in support of the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) expansion of infertility coverage benefits for Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) program enrollees.

“As a longtime proponent of better, more equitable coverage for infertility treatments, I am thrilled that OPM has taken this significant step forward,” said Connolly. “Federal employees, like every American, should have the right to start and build a family on their terms. By implementing these improvements, OPM has helped the federal government on its worthy mission to become the employer of choice for millions of talented Americans looking to serve their country and start a family.”

One cycle of IVF can cost the patient between $15,000 and $30,000. 35 percent of that cost goes to the prescription drugs necessary to complete that cycle of IVF. Now, for the first time, OPM has directed FEHB carriers to cover these drugs for up to three cycles of IVF annually. Additionally, 25 health plan options, including a national plan option, will offer broader coverage of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) related services and benefits.

As more states and private employers are offering increased infertility benefits, Connolly has led the charge for expanded coverage of those benefits for federal employees. He is the author of the FEHB Family Building Fairness Act, which would require FEHB carriers to cover IVF and other assisted reproductive technologies (ART). In March, he sent a letter to OPM Director Kiran Ahuja urging OPM to encourage comprehensive coverage of infertility services as well and require at least one national plan to cover these services.