The New Jersey General Assembly approved legislation today sponsored by Assemblyman Avi Schnall (D-Lakewood) that would expand Medicaid coverage for fertility medications and related medical services for certain individuals experiencing infertility.

The bill, which is co-sponsored by Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin and Assemblyman Gary Schaer, would require NJ FamilyCare, New Jersey’s Medicaid program, to cover medically necessary ovulation-enhancing drugs and certain services for eligible beneficiaries ages 21 through 44.

Under the legislation, covered medical services would include office visits, hysterosalpingograms, pelvic ultrasounds and blood testing related to diagnosing infertility or monitoring ovulation induction. Coverage would be limited to three treatment cycles over a beneficiary’s lifetime.

“Every person who wants to start a family should have access to the medical care they need to do so, regardless of their insurance coverage,” Schnall said. “For many Medicaid beneficiaries experiencing infertility, the cost of ovulation-enhancing medications and treatments is the barrier preventing them from starting families.”

“For those struggling with infertility, the path to parenthood can come with significant emotional and financial challenges,” Schaer said. “By expanding Medicaid coverage, we can alleviate some of the financial burden and barriers and help ensure families get the care and support they need.”

The legislation’s coverage provisions are contingent on the availability of federal financial participation. The bill specifically provides for coverage of oral medications, including clomiphene, bromocriptine, letrozole and tamoxifen, as well as other qualifying oral medications.

The measure now moves to the Senate for consideration.