Bipartisan IVF for Military Families Act
Summary
The Bipartisan IVF for Military Families Act aims to expand healthcare benefits for members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their dependents. If enacted, the bill would require TRICARE, the military's healthcare program, to cover the diagnosis and treatment of infertility. This coverage would include procedures such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), artificial insemination, and the preservation of eggs or sperm. Currently, TRICARE only covers these services in limited cases where infertility is directly caused by a service-connected injury or illness.
The proposal seeks to bring military fertility benefits in line with those available to Members of Congress and other federal employees. It would allow for up to three completed egg retrievals per year and include coverage for necessary fertility medications. To ensure quality of care, the bill would also require the Department of Defense to establish a coordination program for fertility services and provide specialized training for healthcare providers on the unique needs of military families.
While the bill would significantly expand access to family-building services, it includes specific restrictions. It would prohibit the use of Department of Defense funds for certain procedures, such as human cloning, international surrogacy, or artificial womb technology. If passed, these changes to TRICARE coverage would be scheduled to take effect for services provided on or after October 1, 2027.