This (I.e. - Congress and those clowns we've called presidents over the last 100 years) is why "health insurance" is out of control. There are numerous better ways to handle the underlying interest here that don't involve mandating every health plan (or even some) cover IVF.
If we're going to totally ignore incentives, costs, and individual autonomy why not just write a bill that says every conceivable health issue must be covered???
Thank you for writing this. While the argument of government interference of coverage is evident (and very important), the piece often missing in IVF discussions is the babies (yes, babies) who are terminated. You are giving those babies a voice. Thank you.
I remember the non-stop ads in our college newspaper searching for egg donors with blonde or light brown hair. (Gross). God forbid the genes come from a woman who didn't take the SATs.
The ethics are clearly complicated here. I'd never thought too deeply about IVF and appreciate the dive into a difficult subject.
Thanks for all the insight on this issue, Katy. Maybe I missed it, but if this (in my opinion) “elective” process is adopted as mandated coverage, how will this economically reflect on the already over stressed Medicare system? Not many seniors would opt for these services, but if employers are mandated into offering IVF coverage, wouldn’t the logical extension of that mandate also extend into Medicare sharing in these costs? If that were the case, Medicare funding would dry up in year one, if not, day one, am I right? Also, the trickle down effect would nearly eliminate the financial viability of the MA and Medigap plans to the detriment of the senior market who might only participate in the coverage at a minuscule rate.
I suppose my thinking is considered old school, but not all healthcare costs should be covered (or shared) regardless of age or circumstance simply out of a desire to be fair, especially when the ethical and economic consequences are drastically out of scale to the benefit.
I don’t think many Medicare eligibles would a) be covered by their employer plans, or b) demand IVF. My point was more about the sloppiness of the bill drafting. And even if a few DO use the benefit it’s insane. But just bc that happens in the employer market doesn’t mean that Medicare would also pay. I kinda doubt it actually but dumber things have happened.
This (I.e. - Congress and those clowns we've called presidents over the last 100 years) is why "health insurance" is out of control. There are numerous better ways to handle the underlying interest here that don't involve mandating every health plan (or even some) cover IVF.
If we're going to totally ignore incentives, costs, and individual autonomy why not just write a bill that says every conceivable health issue must be covered???
Just f#$&ing absurd.
... Okay... I feel mildly better now... 😋
Fact.
Thank you for writing this. While the argument of government interference of coverage is evident (and very important), the piece often missing in IVF discussions is the babies (yes, babies) who are terminated. You are giving those babies a voice. Thank you.
Thanks for reading Rachel!
I remember the non-stop ads in our college newspaper searching for egg donors with blonde or light brown hair. (Gross). God forbid the genes come from a woman who didn't take the SATs.
The ethics are clearly complicated here. I'd never thought too deeply about IVF and appreciate the dive into a difficult subject.
Yes there’s so much grossness when you get past the “but, babies!” sloganeering! Thanks for reading!
3 Children are a heritage from the LORD,
offspring a reward from him.
Psalms 127:3 (NIV)
Thank you for writing about this. Are you able to attend this event?
2026 Restorative Reproductive Medicine Congress https://share.google/nhePr4hVEDuQOrGwV
Thanks for all the insight on this issue, Katy. Maybe I missed it, but if this (in my opinion) “elective” process is adopted as mandated coverage, how will this economically reflect on the already over stressed Medicare system? Not many seniors would opt for these services, but if employers are mandated into offering IVF coverage, wouldn’t the logical extension of that mandate also extend into Medicare sharing in these costs? If that were the case, Medicare funding would dry up in year one, if not, day one, am I right? Also, the trickle down effect would nearly eliminate the financial viability of the MA and Medigap plans to the detriment of the senior market who might only participate in the coverage at a minuscule rate.
I suppose my thinking is considered old school, but not all healthcare costs should be covered (or shared) regardless of age or circumstance simply out of a desire to be fair, especially when the ethical and economic consequences are drastically out of scale to the benefit.
I don’t think many Medicare eligibles would a) be covered by their employer plans, or b) demand IVF. My point was more about the sloppiness of the bill drafting. And even if a few DO use the benefit it’s insane. But just bc that happens in the employer market doesn’t mean that Medicare would also pay. I kinda doubt it actually but dumber things have happened.