AUGUSTA - Gov. Janet Mills ceremonially signed a bill Monday sponsored by Rep. Colleen Madigan, D-Waterville, that will require health care providers to cover fertility treatment.
As amended, LD 1539 will require carriers offering health care plans in Maine to provide coverage for fertility diagnostic care, fertility preservation services and fertility treatment if the enrollee is already a fertility patient. It also requires the Superintendent of Insurance to consult with the federal government to evaluate whether fertility benefits may be part of the essential health benefit package that is required under all health insurance plans in Maine.
"I'm pleased that this bill was signed into law," said Madigan. "The importance of this cannot be overstated. I've always believed that fertility care is health care. This measure will help young Mainers living and working in our state who are experiencing fertility struggles realize their dream of starting a family."
The measure will go into effect on January 1, 2024.
Madigan is serving her third term in the Maine Legislature and represents parts of Waterville and Oakland. She serves on the Legislatures Health and Human Services Committee.
Contact:
Jackie Merrill [Madigan], c. 812-1111
Photo: Gov. Janet Mills ceremonially signs LD 1539. From left to right: Angie Bell, Katy Moon, Kate Knox, Michael Forcillo of First Fertility, Senator Mattie Daughtry, Senator Stacy Brenner, Gov. Janet Mills, Rep. Denise Tepler, Mary Spreng, Rep. Colleen Madigan, Davina Michele of Fertility Within Reach, Kate Weldon Leblanc of Resolve New England and Kelly Clarrade Roche.