Dedham, Massachusetts, June 09, 2014
With the help of Dr. Pei-Li Huang of Fertility Solutions, the Massachusetts Medical Society passed resolution A-14, B-3 Expansion of coverage for Infertility Treatments on May 17, 2014. The resolution is among the first of its kind and passed unanimously with extraordinary support from the society’s physician membership.
The resolution has since been endorsed by the Massachusetts Section of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the New England Fertility Society. With a groundswell of positive feedback from practitioners and fertility patients throughout Massachusetts, Dr. Huang is hopeful that this will spread to the national level. Both the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and RESOLVE are advocating for expanded access to fertility care in the future amid growing concern about the changing playing field of insurance coverage.
Healthcare reforms set to take effect in 2016 bring uncertainty to the current state mandate covering specific infertility treatments, including in vitro fertilization. Resolution A-14, B-3 represents a critical step in protecting infertility care coverage for Massachusetts residents. The resolution states:
The Massachusetts Medical Society continues to support the current state mandate for expansion of coverage to include infertility treatments for members covered under plans that include pregnancy-related benefits to the same extent benefits are provided for other pregnancy-related procedures.
Dr. Huang recognized the looming uncertainty for infertility patients in New England, and saw an important opportunity to advocate for support from the Massachusetts Medical Society. She wrote the resolution and testified in front of a reference committee in order to ensure its passage. In her testimony, Dr. Huang stressed that states with infertility insurance coverage experience lower multiple pregnancy rates, increase access for minorities to fertility care and lower overall costs for both state governments and insurance companies.
Though it does not carry any legal authority, the resolution does represent an important step toward preserving opportunities for would-be parents and families in Massachusetts. With unanimous approval by the state medical board, more political pressure can be applied to ensure that future reforms do not result in reduced coverage for patients.
The resolution also helps to raise awareness in other states where, in most cases, a mandate is not in place. Doctors and patients alike are encouraged to write to their local and state government officials to express the need for state-mandated coverage throughout the country.
Dr. Huang strongly believes that “Everyone deserves the same opportunity to be a parent. The passing of this resolution shows patients that their doctors understand exactly what they’re going through and that they are behind them—working hard to make their dreams a reality.”
About Fertility Solutions
Fertility Solutions is a patient-centered practice that provides a full spectrum of infertility diagnosis and treatment. Founded by a team of female physicians with decades of combined experience, Fertility Solutions takes a uniquely personal approach to developing your fertility plan of care. The practice’s board certified fertility specialists will work closely with patients to gain an understanding of their situation and present alternatives that fit each lifestyle and budget. Fertility Solutions offers a decidedly personal approach to fertility care, striving to help patients achieve their dreams through intelligent and affordable Fertility Solutions.
Read our press release in its original format.