Aetna announced on Tuesday it is expanding its fertility coverage benefits, including to the LGBTQ+ community.
The Hartford-based health insurance company, owned by CVS Health, said starting Sept. 1 it will begin covering intrauterine insemination (IUI), also known as artificial insemination, a fertility treatment that involves placing sperm directly into a woman’s uterus to increase the chances of fertilization.
The decision follows a settlement in May, stemming from a lawsuit in which the lead plaintiff claimed Aetna’s policies required her to spend $45,000 on fertility treatments before she could pursue IUI.
Previously, Aetna covered fertility treatments for couples who purchased separate infertility benefit coverage and could demonstrate an infertility diagnosis.
The expansion is seen as helping people, including those in the LGBTQ+ community, who are seeking to grow their families.Â
Aetna said the benefits will be available to members regardless of their sexual orientation or fertility status.Â
“Expanding IUI coverage is yet another demonstration of Aetna’s commitment to women’s health across all communities, including LGBTQ+ and unpartnered people,” said Dr. Cathy Moffitt, Aetna’s chief medical officer. “This industry-leading policy change is a stake in the ground, reflecting Aetna’s support of all who need to use this benefit as a preliminary step in building their family.”
