New Hampshire Bill HB104: Requiring insurance coverage for infertility treatments.

This petition is for Support of HB104 requiring insurance coverage for infertility treatments.

House Bill 104 is sponsored by the following NH State Representatives: Representative Eleanor Casey Crane, Representative Paul Smith, Representative James Pilliod and Representative Bette Lasky.

Infertility is a disease that affects one in 10 couples and is a medically recognized disease that affects men and women equally. Still, many insurance companies do not provide coverage for treatment to overcome this disease, but single out infertility for exclusion. Well-managed insurance coverage will not place a large burden on insurance companies. Studies have shown that coverage adds just a few dollars per year to an insurance premium and may in fact reduce costs by limiting costly treatments that have low rates of success in treating the underlying problem.

Insurers argue that bearing children is a lifestyle choice. In fact it is. But it is not a choice to have a disease that prevents a person from having the option to bear children. Insurers raise concerns about some treatments and the possibility of multiple births and the associated costs. Reproductive doctors are careful to help couples minimize the risks associated with multiple births. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (Aug 29, 2002) concludes that the incidence of multiple births is actually lower in states that have enacted an infertility insurance requirement than in states without coverage.

Why? Because couples with insurance coverage are free to make purely medical decisions when pursuing some infertility treatments, as opposed to other couples who must also weigh financial considerations that often result in medical risk taking, multiple births and a high rate of complications during and post-pregnancy.

Many affected by infertility do not feel comfortable speaking publicly about this very private struggle, but we represent all racial, religious, and ethnic groups, as well as both sexes. We are neighbors; co-workers, friends and relatives, and we just want to experience the joy of raising families without having to bankrupt ourselves in the process. Please help fulfill the dreams of New Hampshire couples waiting for a family to love.

We the undersigned ask that our State Representatives vote yes to Bill HB104.