Bipartisan IVF for Military Families Act
Summary
The Bipartisan IVF for Military Families Act aims to amend Title 10 of the United States Code to provide fertility treatment coverage under the TRICARE program for active duty members of the Armed Forces and their dependents. This includes in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other fertility-related care. The bill outlines specific provisions for coverage, cost-sharing, and limitations, while also prohibiting the use of funds for certain procedures like preimplantation genetic screening and human cloning.
Expected Effects
This act would expand healthcare benefits for military families by ensuring access to fertility treatments, potentially increasing the number of military families able to conceive. It also establishes a program for fertility-related care coordination, providing training and support to community healthcare providers. The changes would apply to services provided on or after October 1, 2027.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to fertility treatments for active duty military members and their dependents.
- Improved family well-being by enabling more military families to have children.
- Establishment of a program to coordinate fertility-related care, improving patient experience.
- Standardized cost-sharing amounts for fertility-related care under TRICARE.
- Comprehensive definition of fertility-related care, ensuring a wide range of treatments are covered.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential increase in healthcare costs for the Department of Defense.
- Exclusion of certain advanced procedures like preimplantation genetic screening may limit options for some families.
- The delayed implementation date (October 1, 2027) means families will have to wait for these benefits.
- The bill does not extend these benefits to former members of the Armed Forces.
- Possible ethical concerns related to the use of IVF and related technologies.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to improve the well-being of military families. Specifically, the preamble states the Constitution is intended to "promote the general Welfare". Congress has the power to legislate for the military under Article I, Section 8, which grants the power to raise and support armies and provide and maintain a navy. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or freedoms.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).