Starting January 1, 2026, a new Illinois law will mandate that all group insurance plans include coverage for fertility treatments, including in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, before this change takes effect, voters will weigh in on whether to expand this coverage further in a non-binding referendum on November 5.
The referendum will ask: “Should all medically appropriate assisted reproductive treatments, including, but not limited to, in vitro fertilization, be covered by any health insurance plan in Illinois that provides coverage for pregnancy benefits, without limitation on the number of treatments?”
State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin), who sponsored the fertility legislation, emphasized the financial burden many families face when pursuing IVF. “It is a very costly and expensive process,” she stated during a February 7 press conference. Castro’s bill, signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker on August 2, passed both chambers with bipartisan support. Castro further explained the importance of accessible infertility treatments, noting that many individuals struggle to obtain them even with a physician’s recommendation.
The referendum seeks public opinion on whether lawmakers should consider expanding the current fertility coverage mandate to require insurers to cover an unlimited number of treatment cycles. While the outcome of the vote will not directly change the law, it could guide future legislative efforts. Lawmakers could use the results to take action ranging from maintaining the status quo to passing legislation or even proposing a constitutional amendment.
“This is about people. If you want to have a child through IVF, you should be able to have that opportunity,” said state Senator Michael Hastings (D-Frankfort) during the same press event.
The Catholic Conference of Illinois has voiced opposition to the initiative, citing ethical concerns. In a statement, the group explained that while they support couples struggling with infertility, the Catholic Church opposes IVF because it separates the act of procreation from the marital union. The statement also expressed concerns about the possible implications of the referendum, including gene editing and human cloning, and the lack of protections for employers with moral or religious objections.
In addition to the fertility referendum, Illinois voters will also face two other non-binding referendums on the November ballot. One addresses whether to raise taxes by 3% on incomes over $1 million to provide property tax relief. The other asks whether candidates should face penalties for interfering with election workers.
Although these referendums are non-binding, their results will offer valuable insight to lawmakers on how to move forward on these issues.
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