16/10/2026
California IVF insurance coverage just changed — but are YOU covered? 👀
Starting in 2026, California’s SB 729 requires certain health plans to cover infertility diagnosis and treatment, including IVF and fertility preservation.
But there’s an important catch: SB 729 does not apply to every insurance plan.
Here are 6 things to know:
1️⃣ Who is covered?
Large employers with fully insured health plans must include infertility treatment coverage when their plans are newly issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026.
2️⃣ Who may not be covered?
Small employers are not necessarily required to include this coverage. Insurers must offer qualifying small employers the option to add infertility treatment benefits, but employers can choose not to purchase them.
3️⃣ Who is exempt?
The mandate generally does not apply to self-funded employer plans, individual health insurance plans, Medi-Cal, or certain religious employers. Coverage for California state employees enrolled in CalPERS is scheduled to begin July 1, 2027.
4️⃣ What does coverage include?
Eligible plans may cover infertility testing, treatment, medications, and IVF. Coverage includes up to 3 completed egg retrievals per person, potentially subject to lifetime limits, and unlimited embryo transfers, subject to applicable clinical guidelines.
5️⃣ When does coverage begin?
It depends on when your plan renews. The mandate applies to qualifying plans newly issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, so not everyone automatically gets coverage on January 1.
6️⃣ How can you check your coverage?
Ask your HR department or insurance provider:
• Is my plan self-funded or fully insured?
• When does my plan renew?
• Does my plan cover IVF, including egg retrievals, embryo transfers, medications, and monitoring?
Also, insurers cannot deny coverage based on factors such as age, s*x, s*xual orientation, or marital status.
Save this post for your IVF journey 🤍
And share it with someone who may be navigating fertility treatment in California.
Insurance coverage varies by plan. Always confirm benefits and coverage requirements with your health plan before beginning treatment.
