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5/30/2017
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Senate OKs bill eliminating marriage as requirement for fertility coverage
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STATE HOUSE – The Senate today passed legislation introduced by Sen. Jeanine Calkin eliminating a provision that limits insurance coverage requirements for fertility treatment to married people.
“There is no reason for state law to encourage discrimination by insurance companies against unmarried people. Particularly when it comes to fertility and the limited window of time people have to conceive, not being married should not serve as a roadblock to those seeking fertility assistance. Just as we don’t prohibit unmarried people without infertility challenges from having babies, we should not allow our state law to effectively prohibit those with them from doing so,” said Senator Calkin (D-Dist. 30, Warwick).
Current state law requires health insurers to cover infertility treatment for women between ages 25 and 42 years old who are unable to sustain pregnancy for a period of one year, but only if they are married.
Senator Calkin’s bill (2017-S 0490A) eliminates the word “married” so the law applies to all Rhode Islanders, regardless of marital status.
“Whether you are married or not, you should be entitled to the same rights under your insurance policy as anyone else. This is an antiquated and discriminatory provision, and I’m proud to sponsor legislation that will help more Rhode Island families realize their dreams of having children,” said Senator Calkin.
The bill is cosponsored by Sen. Gayle L. Goldin (D-Dist. 3, Providence) Sen. Ana B. Quezada (D-Dist. 2, Providence), Sen. Cynthia A. Coyne (D-Dist. 32, Barrington, Bristol, East Providence) and Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski (D-Dist. 37, South Kingstown, New Shoreham). It now goes to the House of Representatives, where Rep. Moira J. Walsh (D-Dist. 3, Providence) is sponsoring identical legislation (2017-H 5530).
For more information, contact:
Meredyth R. Whitty, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-1923
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