Reproductive and fertility issues are gaining attention in the Trump administration, prompting Rep. Sara Jacobs and Sen. Tammy Duckworth to introduce the IVF for Military Families Act. The bill aims to ensure TRICARE, the military’s health insurance program, covers infertility diagnosis and treatment.
Rep. Rick Larsen and Sen. Patty Murray also co-sponsored the bill, which would extend coverage to active-duty service members, their dependents, and even members of Congress and their staff.
Jacobs expressed frustration, stating, “For too many service members, the lack of TRICARE coverage for IVF leaves them with limited options: prove their infertility is service-related, pay tens of thousands of dollars out-of-pocket, forgo having children, or leave the military. This is wrong.”
She further criticized President Trump, saying, “You can’t call yourself the father of IVF without backing it up with action. Support our bill.”
Currently, members of Congress and their staff, who obtain insurance through the DC Health Exchange, have access to infertility treatments, including IVF. In contrast, TRICARE only provides fertility services for those who can demonstrate a service-related injury or illness.
According to Jacobs’ office, this policy forces about 25% of service members and their spouses to bear the financial burden of fertility treatments, sometimes totaling tens of thousands of dollars.
Supporters argue that passing the IVF for Military Families Act would help improve recruitment, retention, and readiness within the military while ensuring service members have access to family-building services.
A similar provision was removed from a compromise defense bill passed late last year.
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