Intrauterine insemination, or IUI, is usually only covered if employers offer a separate fertility benefit plan, according to an Aug. 26 news release from Aetna.
The change will apply to fully-insured Aetna commercial plans.
In May, Aetna settled a lawsuit alleging its fertility coverage policies discriminated against LGBTQ+ couples. As part of the settlement, Aetna said it would introduce a new health plan that includes artificial insemination as a standard benefit for all members, regardless of sexual orientation. The company said it will also take steps to ensure its coverage policies for in vitro fertilization are not more burdensome for LGBTQ+ couples than heterosexual couples.
Fertility treatments are often not covered by insurance. In 2017, 23% of employers with more than 500 employees covered IUI, and 35% of employers with more than 20,000 employees covered the treatment, according to data from KFF.
Some states require fully-insured commercial plans to offer coverage for in vitro fertilization or other fertility benefits, according to Resolve: The National Infertility Association.
IUI costs between $300 and $4,000 per cycle without insurance, according to Cleveland Clinic. The treatment is less expensive than IVF, which can cost more than $15,000 per cycle.
“Expanding IUI coverage is yet another demonstration of Aetna’s commitment to women’s health across all communities, including LGBTQ+ and unpartnered people,” Cathy Moffitt, MD, Aetna’s chief medical officer, said in the news release. “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.”
