Cuomo: Expand Insurance Coverage For In Vitro Fertilization

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is proposing a new insurance mandate that would expand coverage of in vitro fertilization and medically necessary therapies to preserve a woman's fertility.

The Democrat announced the measure Wednesday. The proposed in vitro fertilization mandate would apply to all large group insurers, while the coverage requirement for medically necessary egg freezing would apply to large, small and individual insurance providers.

Cuomo also wants to include language prohibiting insurance companies from denying a woman's claims for fertility treatments based on their marital status, age, sexual orientation or gender identity.

The governor says all New Yorkers deserve to have the same access to reproductive health care, and that the high cost of in vitro fertilization creates an economic barrier for many potential parents.

Lawmakers must approve Cuomo's proposal.