California families received exciting news with the passage of Senate Bill 729 (SB 729)—a landmark law expanding insurance coverage for fertility treatments. Set to take effect on January 1, 2026, this bill is a significant step toward making fertility care more accessible, equitable, and inclusive.
From covering IVF (in vitro fertilization) to protecting access for the LGBTQ+ community, SB 729 changes the landscape of reproductive healthcare across the state. To help you prepare, we’ve compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions about this bill and what it means for your fertility journey.
Senate Bill 729 requires many California health insurance plans to cover the diagnosis and treatment of infertility. This includes advanced services like IVF and protections for those who may not meet traditional definitions of infertility, such as same-sex couples.
The bill applies to health plans that renew or begin after January 1, 2026, with some exceptions (such as religious employers and self-funded plans). Its goal is to create greater equality in fertility care access for all Californians.
Large, fully insured employer health plans with 101 or more employees must provide coverage for:
Smaller employer plans, religious organizations, and self-funded groups are not required to follow this mandate. As insurers roll out these new benefits, more clarity is expected.
Coverage starts on January 1, 2026, but the timing depends on when your employer’s plan renews:
Originally planned for July 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom requested a delay to ensure smooth implementation.
Fertility is highly time-sensitive. While waiting could reduce costs, delaying may impact your chances of success due to age or diagnosis.
We recommend discussing your timeline with a fertility specialist to determine whether waiting for coverage or starting now is best for you.
SB 729 expands the definition of infertility to include those unable to conceive for medical or nonmedical reasons.
This change ensures equal access for LGBTQ+ individuals, same-sex couples, and single patients without requiring proof of “medical infertility.”
Because SB 729 is in the early stages of rollout, some details remain unclear:
We’ll share updates as more guidance is released.
Your current insurance coverage will not change until January 2026 at the earliest. In the meantime, you can prepare by:
Senate Bill 729 is a groundbreaking step toward fair and inclusive fertility coverage in California. Whether you’re beginning your family-building journey today or planning for the future, understanding this law is key to making informed decisions.
Our financial counselors and fertility specialists are here to guide you through insurance, treatment options, and timing—so you can confidently take the next step toward parenthood.
To learn more about Senate Bill 729 or any financial aspect of fertility care, schedule a consultation with one of our fertility experts.
Our skilled fertility specialists are here to help. Contact us today and let’s discuss the next phase of your fertility journey.