Expanded infertility treatment coverage in Illinois paving the path for future parents, but there's more work to be done
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 08/24/2021
Heather Martinez
Stork Foundation for Infertility
630-779-2721
Stork@Storkfoundation.org
Expanded infertility treatment coverage in Illinois is paving the path for future parents, but there's more work to be done.
JB Pritzker recently signed legislation to expand coverage of infertility treatments to same-sex couples and single people, but is it enough? While this is exciting progress, infertility treatments are still unattainable for many due to the high cost and lack of insurance coverage. The Stork Foundation for Infertility is a local nonprofit who is doing their part by advocating for patients' financial rights and providing financial grants up to $15,000 to those with minimal or no fertility coverage.
On July 27, Pritzker signed legislation expanding infertility treatment coverage to same-sex couples and single people. This legislation prevents discrimination in coverage based on age, gender, gender identity, and other factors offering better rights to those struggling to build a family.
While this is exceptional news, it's only a step in the right direction. The lack of infertility insurance coverage in Illinois (as well as most states) and high out of pocket cost for treatments (IVF, IUI, egg and sperm donation) is prohibitively expensive, preventing many from accessing the treatment needed to conceive a child. For example, the average cost for one IVF cycle is $15,000-$20,000 including medicine.
The Stork Foundation for Infertility was created by Elizabeth Frattura to help remove this financial barrier by providing financial assistance to low resource individuals who require fertility treatments that would otherwise be out of financial reach. Grants up to $15,000 per individual are awarded annually. "Due to the overwhelming generosity of our donors who understand the high cost and need for fertility coverage, we are thankful to be able to offer multiple grants this year, giving these individuals not only access to the treatments but also HOPE and the opportunity to realize their dream of becoming parents," Frattura states. Grant applicants must reside in Illinois or Missouri and be below a certain income threshold to qualify. The Stork Foundation for Infertility's 2021 grant application window will be open from August 1 to October 31. For additional details and qualifications, please visit: www.storkfoundation.org/grants.
While progress is being made in legislation to help with coverage, there are still mountains to climb to ensure that fertility coverage is affordable and covered for those who need it in Illinois.
About The Stork Foundation for Infertility: The Stork Foundation for Infertility is a 501c(3) non-profit organization founded in April 2020. Our mission is to provide hope and opportunity to those suffering from infertility and fighting for their dream of parenthood. The Stork Foundation provides financial assistance to low resource individuals who require costly medical infertility treatments that would otherwise be out of financial reach.