Health and Education, Policy Updates
Advocate for IVF Insurance Coverage
by WREN Communications & Learning Team on Feb 1, 2017
One in eight U.S. couples of childbearing age has trouble conceiving or sustaining a pregnancy according to RESOLVE, a national infertility association that works to improve the lives of women and men living with infertility. We at WREN support efforts of fertility specialists who help individuals and couples grow their families through fertility technologies like In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
Last week we let you know about two bills that were introduced that would infringe upon South Carolinians’ access to fertility technologies like IVF, and this week we want to let you know about S.10, a bill that would remove some of the barriers between those experiencing infertility and treatment.
S.10 would require health insurance providers to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of infertility. This would include services like ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination, IVF, sperm donation and more. The bill does have some restrictions and limitations regarding age and the number of times an individual can utilize coverage, but overall it would reduce the cost significantly for those who need to make use of alternative forms of conception. This bill has been assigned to the Senate Committee on Banking and Insurance.
While this bill makes its way through the often slow legislative process, there are support group services that can connect women and men experiencing infertility and provide safe spaces to discuss their situations and receive support from others who have had similar experiences or who are struggling with similar issues:
- Columbia: General Infertility Support Group
Meets on the second Monday of each month from 7:00PM to 8:30PM.
Location: Richland Library, Learning Engagement Classroom, 1431 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Hosts: Andrena and Laquita
Please contact the hosts at resolvecolumbia@gmail.com before attending your first meeting. - Greenville: General Infertility Support Group
Meets on the first Monday of each month at 7:00PM
Location: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (no affiliation), Relief Society Room, 1301 Boiling Springs Rd, Greenville, SC 29615
Host: Amanda
Please contact Amanda at resolvegreenville@gmail.com before attending your first meeting.
Infertility is an issue that many women and families across the nation are facing. Here in South Carolina, it is encouraging that strides are being made to provide assistance to those affected by this all too common condition.