Bipartisan HOPE Act Reintroduced in Congress to Expand Fertility Coverage Nationwide
March 26, 2026
For Immediate Release
Washington, DC—The Helping to Optimize Patients’ Experience (HOPE) with Fertility Services Act was reintroduced Thursday, uplifting the first-ever bipartisan federal legislation to mandate insurance coverage for infertility diagnosis, treatment, and standard fertility preservation services nationwide in the 119th Congress.
“It’s encouraging to see bipartisan leadership recognizing fertility care as essential health care,” said ASRM Chief Advocacy & Policy Officer Sean Tipton. “Establishing a federal standard for coverage would bring greater consistency, reduce financial barriers, and help ensure more patients have a real opportunity to access the care they need.”
“Cost should not be a barrier to one’s ability to build or grow their family – but without comprehensive insurance coverage, it too often is,” said ASRM board member and head of the Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility division at Johns Hopkins University, Valerie Baker, MD. “For the first time ever, more than 100,000 babies were born through IVF in a single year. The demand for fertility services is growing, so too should access. Expanding coverage for fertility services has never been more critical.”
While the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) sets minimum standards for employer-sponsored insurance, it currently does not include a federal standard for fertility care. The HOPE Act would close that gap by mandating baseline coverage requirements across private insurance plans.
The CDC estimates that millions of Americans struggle with infertility, with prevalence increasing significantly with age. Because of limited insurance coverage, many patients pay tens of thousands of dollars out-of-pocket for clinically proven, board-certified treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF).
For patients diagnosed with infertility, including in situations caused by medical treatments such as chemotherapy, the bill would cover services including ovulation induction, genetic screening and diagnosis, cryopreservation of reproductive genetic materials, intrauterine insemination, and IVF.
The legislation is led by Reps. Zach Nunn (R-IA) and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), and cosponsored by Reps. Donald Norcross (D-NJ), Laurel Lee (R-FL), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), and Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), who marked the announcement at a press conference Thursday alongside patient advocates and providers from the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and RESOLVE: The National Infertility and Family Building Association.
For Immediate Release
Washington, DC—The Helping to Optimize Patients’ Experience (HOPE) with Fertility Services Act was reintroduced Thursday, uplifting the first-ever bipartisan federal legislation to mandate insurance coverage for infertility diagnosis, treatment, and standard fertility preservation services nationwide in the 119th Congress.
“It’s encouraging to see bipartisan leadership recognizing fertility care as essential health care,” said ASRM Chief Advocacy & Policy Officer Sean Tipton. “Establishing a federal standard for coverage would bring greater consistency, reduce financial barriers, and help ensure more patients have a real opportunity to access the care they need.”
“Cost should not be a barrier to one’s ability to build or grow their family – but without comprehensive insurance coverage, it too often is,” said ASRM board member and head of the Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility division at Johns Hopkins University, Valerie Baker, MD. “For the first time ever, more than 100,000 babies were born through IVF in a single year. The demand for fertility services is growing, so too should access. Expanding coverage for fertility services has never been more critical.”
While the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) sets minimum standards for employer-sponsored insurance, it currently does not include a federal standard for fertility care. The HOPE Act would close that gap by mandating baseline coverage requirements across private insurance plans.
The CDC estimates that millions of Americans struggle with infertility, with prevalence increasing significantly with age. Because of limited insurance coverage, many patients pay tens of thousands of dollars out-of-pocket for clinically proven, board-certified treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF).
For patients diagnosed with infertility, including in situations caused by medical treatments such as chemotherapy, the bill would cover services including ovulation induction, genetic screening and diagnosis, cryopreservation of reproductive genetic materials, intrauterine insemination, and IVF.
The legislation is led by Reps. Zach Nunn (R-IA) and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), and cosponsored by Reps. Donald Norcross (D-NJ), Laurel Lee (R-FL), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), and Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), who marked the announcement at a press conference Thursday alongside patient advocates and providers from the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and RESOLVE: The National Infertility and Family Building Association.
For almost a century, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) has been the global leader in multidisciplinary reproductive medicine research, ethical practice, and education. ASRM impacts reproductive care and science worldwide by creating funding opportunities for advancing reproduction research and discovery, by providing evidence-based education and public health information, and by advocating for reproductive health care professionals and the patients they serve. With members in more than 100 countries, the Society is headquartered in Washington, DC, with additional operations in Birmingham, AL. www.asrm.org
For media inquiries regarding this press release contact:
Sean Tipton
ASRM Chief Advocacy and Policy Officer
E: stipton@asrm.org
Anna Hovey
Advocacy Engagement Specialist
E: ahovey@asrm.org
J. Benjamin Younger Office of Public Affairs
726 7th St. SE
Washington, DC 20003
Tel: (202) 863-2494
Press Releases
Check out these press releases as well
Bipartisan HOPE Act Reintroduced in Congress to Expand Fertility Coverage Nationwide
HOPE Act reintroduced to mandate nationwide insurance coverage for infertility care, expanding access to IVF, fertility preservation, and essential treatments.
For the First Time, More Than 100,000 Babies Born Through IVF in the U.S. in a Single Year
IVF births in the U.S. surpass 100,000 in 2024, highlighting rising demand, improved safety, and advances in fertility care and reproductive medicine.
ASRM President-Elect Dr. Amy Sparks Receives Michigan State University Outstanding Alumni Award
ASRM has proudly announced President-Elect Dr. Amy Sparks, Ph.D., as the winner of the 2026 Outstanding Alumni Award from the Michigan State University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR).
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine’s (ASRM) Center for Policy and Leadership (CPL) Announces 2026 PRIMED Cohort
ASRM's Center for Policy and Leadership (CPL) announced it's third class of the 2026 PRIMED cohort since the program’s 2024 beginning.The News from ASRM
Latest News
An indispensable news digest for reproductive scientists, clinicians and allied health professionals. The Latest News posts are available to ASRM members in good standing only.
ASRM Press Releases/Bulletins
ASRM Press Releases and Bulletins are published by ASRM's Office of Public Affairs to inform the press and Society members of important recent developments.
Topic Resources
View more on the topic of insurance
Key Abstracts Presented at the ASRM 2025 Scientific Congress & Expo
ASRM 2025 reveals support for IVF access, wildfire smoke's fertility risks, and how insurance mandates improve outcomes in reproductive health care. View the Press Release
American Society for Reproductive Medicine Reacts to White House Announcement on IVF Coverage
ASRM applauds the White House’s first steps toward IVF access but underscores that true equity demands mandatory insurance coverage. View the Press Release
How to Bill to Insurance When Treatment Cycle is Canceled
If a patient is self-paying for treatment and the patient’s IVF or FET cycle is canceled, what would be the appropriate code to use to send View the Answer
Just the Facts: IVF Policy Priorities
ASRM advocates for expanded IVF access, urging policy solutions that prioritize patient care, inclusivity, and medical decision-making free from political interference. View the advocacy resource
Billing for Ultrasounds and Labs
When billing for ultrasounds and labs, is it necessary View the Answer
Use of Code 99211 for a Monitoring Appointment
Is it appropriate to use code 99211 if a patient is scheduled for a monitoring visit View the Answer
HyCoSy Bundled Code 0568T
When billing for HyCoSy, should the new code 0568T View the Answer
Appropriate Use of Modifier -25
Is Modifier -25 appropriate in the monitoring cycle when an ultrasound View the Answer
Billing for E/M Visits
When billing Evaluation & Management (E/M) visits based on medical decision-making, would we View the Answer
Billing Physician vs Service Physician
What physician’s name must be on the treatment notes and who we are permitted to bill to insurance for: View the Answer
Mandated states and egg retrieval
What name should you use to submit for reimbursement for the actual egg donor when there is benefit for the donor egg retrieval? View the Answer
Billing 58558 together with 58560
Can CPT codes 58558 and 58560 be billed together? Also, can 58560 be billed with place of service 11? View the Answer
IVF coverage denied for Z31.83 diagnosis code
My wife and I have been seeking IVF treatment and coverage was added for infertility treatment (up to $25,000) but our insurer keeps denying it. View the Answer
Cycle coordination fees and 99499, S4042
I reviewed cycle coordination fees, but see that there is no specific code for cycle management. View the Answer
Reimbursement for cost of donor egg
My wife and I are going through a fertility treatment process, and we have purchased a donor egg out-of-pocket from a donor bank. View the Answer
Coding for Ovarian tissue cryopreservation, experimental or not?
For Cryopreservation; Reproductive Tissue Ovarian- 0058T code is not being recognized. Is there an updated one being used or a replacement of this code? View the Answer
Supervising provider for embryology billing
We typically bill our IVF Lab work under the rendering provider who performs the VOR. Who should be the supervising provider for embryology billing? View the Answer
Billing 58558 and 58560 together
Can CPT codes 58558 and 58560 be billed together? Also, can 58560 be billed with place of service 11? View the Answer
Endometrioma
Surgery was performed under anesthesia for Aspiration of right hyrosalpinx fluid and right endometrioma. View the Answer
Total versus Free estradiol
Should patients with fertility issues be billing Estradiol Free (82681) instead of Estradiol Total (82670)? View the Answer
Unlisted Fertility Treatment CPT Code
Can you please refer me to an unlisted management CPT code for fertility treatment? View the Answer
Vitamin D Testing in Infertility Patients
We are being told that, as of this year, vitamin D level screening is not being covered by many insurers. View the Answer
Z Codes Vs. Procedure Codes For Fertility Preservation Counseling
I am trying to understand better when to use the procreative management code vs the fertility preservation counseling and procedure codes. View the Answer
ICD-10 Code For Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) For Same-Sex Couple
Which ICD-10 code you recommend for IUI same gender couples? View the Answer
Initial Visit for Infertility With No Mandated Coverage
What code would be appropriate for an initial visit for infertility? View the Answer
Non-REI Board Certified MD Performing REI Procedures
My boss has a few follow up questions about a non-REI board certified MD performing REI procedures. View the Answer
Embryo Culture Denied As Experimental
We have received denials from insurance payers when billing CPT code 89251. View the Answer
Flat Fee For Outside Monitoring
Can our office charge outside monitoring patients a flat fee to be seen? View the Answer
Frozen Embryo Transport
What is the code for the cost of frozen embryo transport? View the Answer
Global Billing Vs Billing Under Provider
For an IVF cycle (that is not being billed global to an insurance plan) is it appropriate to bill the charges under one “global” provider? View the Answer
Diagnosis Codes For Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
I was reviewing your Coding Corner information to find a definitive diagnosis for IUI procedures. Which diagnosis is the most appropriate? View the Answer
Donor Egg-Retrieval On Recipient's Claim
Is the donor egg retrieval included on the bill to insurance with the first IVF treatment for the recipient? View the Answer
Billing at an Outside Clinic for Lab Services
One of my physicians uses an outside facility to perform the retrievals and transfers. View the Answer
Billing For Cryopreservation Of Embryos Under The Male Partner
Can 89258 be billed under the male partner of a female patient? View the Answer
Billing For Procedures Performed By Outside Physicians
Our physician tested positive for COVID-19, so another physician not associated with our office performed our egg retrievals and embryo transfers. View the Answer
Board Certified Vs. Non-Board Certified Billing
Is coding/billing any different when a non-board certified or non-REI provider submits for REI procedure? View the Answer
Claim Form for Donor Egg Retrieval
What bill form is used of IVF donor egg retrieval? View the Answer
Coding For Alpha-Fetoprotein Testing
My clinic is looking into implementing Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) testing. I understand there is currently no CPT code listed for this testing. View the Answer
Coding For Donor Egg Retrieval For Male Intended Parent
In coding a donor-egg retrieval to bill to insurance under the male intended parent, would it be appropriate to use the Z31.83? View the Answer
Coding For Long-Term Storage Of Embryos
We have recently been contacted by a payer stating we have a patient whose plan will cover long-term storage of her embryos. View the Answer
Male Infertility
A summary of common codes for Male Infertility compiled by the ASRM Coding Committee. View the Coding Summary
Mental-health Services During Assisted Reproduction
A summary of codes for Mental-health Services During Assisted Reproduction compiled by the ASRM Coding Committee. View the Coding Summary
PCOS
A summary of codes for PCOS as compiled by the ASRM Coding Committee. View the Coding Summary
Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL)
Strategy for coding for a patient with RPL - codes compiled by the ASRM Coding Committee. View the Coding Summary
Laboratory Procedures during ART Cycles
A listing of codes, compiled for a fresh ART cycle, transfer, biopsy, cryopreservation of embryos and oocytes, storage, and thawing. View the Coding Summary
Embryo Transfer
A summary of Embryo Transfer codes collected by the ASRM Coding Committee View the Coding Summary
Endometriosis
ASRM coding summary outlines common procedural and diagnosis codes used for endometriosis by reproductive and gynecologic specialists. View the Coding Summary
Fibroids
A summary of codes to use with fibroids and myomas compiled by the ASRM Coding Committee View the Coding Summary
Fertility Preservation
A summary of codes for Fertility Preservation compiled by the ASRM Coding Committee. View the Coding Summary
Jan 2022: Modifier 93 – Synchronous Telemedicine Service Rendered Via Telephone or Other Real-Time Interactive Audio-Only Telecommunications System
At the September 2021 CPT Editorial Panel Meeting, a new Modifier was accepted to describe real-time telemedicine services. View the blog post
Feb 2021: CMS holds physicians harmless from Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) penalties amid COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
CMS announced it will hold physicians harmless from up to 9% MIPS penalties due to the significant disruptions of the COVID-19 public health emergency. View the blog post
Jan 2021: Coding for COVID-19 Vaccine Administration
AMA has published an update to the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) code set that includes new vaccine-specific codes to report immunizations. View the blog post
Jan 2021: Telehealth Coding Extension and 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule
Effective January 11, 2021, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Secretary Azar has extended the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE). View the blog post
