8/15/2025
Effective January 1, 2026, the mandate will apply to all newly issued, amended, or renewed plans.
Mandatory IVF Coverage for Large Group Plans
SB 729: Broker FAQ Sheet
Who’s Affected
Mandatory IVF Coverage for Large Group Plans
- SB 729, signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom in September 2024, requires large group health insurance plans to cover:
- Diagnosis and treatment of infertility
- Fertility preservation services
- In vitro fertilization (IVF) (maximum of 3 completed oocyte retrievals and unlimited embryo transfers)
- Limits cost-sharing to the same structure as for other benefits.
- Revises the definition of infertility and removes the exclusion of in vitro fertilization from coverage.
SB 729: Broker FAQ Sheet
Who’s Affected
- The law applies to large group fully insured health plans issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026 (typically employers with 101+ employees).
- Fully insured small group plans can provide the new level of benefits but are not required to do so.