With intrauterine insemination (IUI) now a
covered medical benefit for all eligible plans, Aetna advances
equity across all individuals who seek to grow their
families
HARTFORD, Conn., Aug. 27,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Aetna®, a CVS
Health® Company (NYSE: CVS), now offers intrauterine
insemination (IUI) as a medical benefit for eligible plans. Members
may access this benefit as a test of fertility and, in some cases,
to increase the chances of pregnancy. Aetna's landmark policy
change increases access to family-building possibilities,
regardless of sexual orientation or partner status.
As the first major insurer to update this coverage policy
nationally, Aetna is proud to better represent the needs of the
communities we serve.
"Expanding IUI coverage is yet another demonstration of Aetna's
commitment to women's health across all communities, including
LGBTQ+ and unpartnered people," said Cathy Moffitt, MD, Senior Vice President and
Aetna Chief Medical Officer, CVS Health. "This industry-leading
policy change is a stake in the ground, reflecting Aetna's support
of all who need to use this benefit as a preliminary step in
building their family."
Aetna's Approach to Clinical Policy
Aetna's team of clinical experts update and assess clinical
policies on an ongoing basis to ensure they reflect the latest
understandings and guidelines. Across the industry, coverage of IUI
services typically has applied to individuals who 1) purchased
separate infertility benefit coverage and 2) could demonstrate an
infertility diagnosis.
Aetna's updated coverage policy begins nationwide on
September 1, 2024 for many plans and
will be effective on a rolling basis for most plans on renewal.
Aetna plan sponsors do not need to make changes, as this is a
policy change for eligible medical plans. As a standard
process, self-funded plan sponsors may modify their coverage of any
benefit, including infertility. For more information, plan sponsors
should reach out to their account managers.
Aetna remains committed to facilitating transparency and open
communication with members, providers and customers by continuing
to make our clinical policies public.
Commitment to Women and Equity
Many women in different communities will benefit from this
change. "We know firsthand the barriers people face in accessing
needed medical care to start or grow their families," said Chief
Clinical Officer, Kate Steinle, of a
nationwide health care provider for the LGBTQ+ community, FOLX. "As
an in-network provider focused on the LGBTQ+ community, we applaud
Aetna's efforts to reduce out-of-pocket costs, so that more people
can have the families they dream of – and deserve."
CVS Health has a long history of supporting and advancing
women's health and equity, and we remain focused on meeting their
unique needs. This includes providing access to safe, legal and
evidence-based reproductive health services, information and
FDA-approved products.
About CVS Health
CVS Health® is the leading health
solutions company, delivering care like no one else can. We reach
more people and improve the health of communities across America
through our local presence, digital channels and over 300,000
dedicated colleagues – including more than 40,000 physicians,
pharmacists, nurses and nurse practitioners. Wherever and whenever
people need us, we help them with their health – whether that's
managing chronic diseases, staying compliant with their medications
or accessing affordable health and wellness services in the most
convenient ways. We help people navigate the health care system –
and their personal health care – by improving access, lowering
costs and being a trusted partner for every meaningful moment of
health. And we do it all with heart, each and every day. Follow
@CVSHealth on social media.
About Aetna
Aetna, a CVS Health business, serves an
estimated 36 million people with information and resources to help
them make better informed decisions about their health care. Aetna
offers a broad range of traditional, voluntary and
consumer-directed health insurance products and related services,
including medical, pharmacy, dental and behavioral health plans,
and medical management capabilities, Medicaid health care
management services, workers' compensation administrative services
and health information technology products and services. Aetna's
customers include employer groups, individuals, college students,
part-time and hourly workers, health plans, health care providers,
governmental units, government-sponsored plans, labor groups and
expatriates. For more information, visit Aetna.com (e.g.,
clinical diagnoses, eligibility criteria, participation in a
disease state management program).
Media Contact
Alex Kepnes
703-575-8900
KepnesA@aetna.com
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SOURCE CVS Health