A new law requiring Louisiana health insurance companies to pay fertility preservation costs for cancer patients whose treatment could render them sterile went into effect this week. The bill’s author, Baton Rouge Representative Paula Davis says it applies to new health plans and existing health care plans.
“It is a wonderful option for those that unfortunately do receive that diagnosis and are young and afraid that maybe they won’t be able to have a biological child once the treatment is completed.”
The new legislation also allows religious organizations to apply for exemptions if they have conflicting beliefs towards fertility preservation.
Davis says the mandate doesn’t apply to Medicaid or health insurance plans through the state health care exchange. And coverage for patients who are going through chemotherapy, radiation, and other procedures is limited.
“The insurance company is required to store. To freeze the egg or the sperm for up to three years. After three years its at your own expense.”
Deductibles, co-payments, and coinsurance may still apply for some patients. Davis says points out some of the female patients who testified when the bill was passed…
“Some of them were not married yet. Some of them had cancer in their teens. And so it’s just a huge impact for women and for men who undergo cancer treatment. To know that there is hope after that treatment to create a family.”
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