What is SB 729?
SB 729 is a groundbreaking California law that expands insurance coverage for infertility care, including IVF. It ensures inclusive access for individuals and couples regardless of marital status, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
Effective Date: January 1, 2026
Who’s Covered: Patients with fully-insured, large-group California health plans.
In this short video, FSAC’s Dr. Holly Mehr breaks down the essentials of the law, how it may apply to you, and how we’re here to help.
Still unsure if this applies to you?
We help all new patients check their benefits.
Who is Covered – And Who Isn’t (Yet)
Covered Under SB 729:
- Fully-insured, large-group plans regulated in California
- Employers with 100+ employees
- Includes coverage for IVF and fertility preservation
Not Covered (Yet):
- Self-funded/ERISA plans (many large companies)
- Out-of-state or non-California-regulated plans
- Medi-Cal
Not sure where your plan falls? We’ll walk you through it.
Why FSAC Is Ready
Some fertility clinics are just now learning to work with insurance. Not FSAC. We’ve been contracted with major insurers for years. Our billing team is already skilled at verifying coverage, navigating appeals, and advocating for patients.
Through the Fertility Access Initiative, FSAC is helping bridge the affordability gap for those not covered under SB 729—offering $2,000 off IVF Freeze-All cycles and $1,300 off egg freezing for self-pay patients. This initiative is one more way we’re committed to making family-building more accessible to all.
You won’t be waiting for us to get up to speed with SB729. We’re already well versed in insurance participation and authorization processes.
If You’re Not Covered Yet
Don’t worry—SB 729 is just one pathway to care. We are proud to offer discounted IVF and egg freezing cycles through the Fertility Access Initiative as well as financing options with affordable monthly payments.
Note: Diagnostic testing is billed separately and may be covered by insurance, even if treatment is not. A fertility workup can offer valuable insights to help guide your next steps.
PatientFi Fertility Financing
If you’re not covered under SB 729 or are facing new deductibles this year, PatientFi offers an affordable path forward. With no hard credit check, instant approvals, and flexible monthly plans, you can use PatientFi to pay for IVF, egg freezing, medications, testing, and more. It’s a supportive solution designed to make fertility care more accessible—on your terms.
SB 729 FAQs
- Insurance Type: You must have a fully insured, large-group health plan (typically 100+ employees) regulated by California.
- Plan Location: Your employer’s group must be based in California, and the plan must be written in the state.
- Infertility Definition: Broadened to include inability to reproduce alone or with a partner, covering same-sex couples, single parents by choice, and those with medical conditions like cancer.
- Coverage Details: Includes IVF, embryo transfers, fertility medications, and medically necessary fertility preservation (like freezing before cancer treatment).
- Self-Funded Plans: Large employers who self-fund their plans (not fully insured) are exempt.
- Small Group Plans: Coverage is optional for small groups (less than 100 employees) unless purchased.
- State & Federal Plans: Medi-Cal, Medicare, and CalPERS (state employees, until 2027) are generally exempt.
- Elective Freezing: Non-medical, elective egg freezing for social reasons is not covered, but medically indicated freezing (e.g., for cancer) is.
For most large group plans, coverage is effective for policies renewing on or after January 1, 2026. For example, if a Fully Insured Large Employer’s renewal is September 1, 2026, coverage would not start until September 1, 2026.
- Check with HR: Confirm your plan type (fully insured vs. self-funded) and renewal date.
- Review Documents: Look at your Summary of Benefits for fertility coverage details.
- Contact Insurer: Ask about specific criteria, prior authorizations, and costs.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you’re covered now or waiting for SB 729 to take effect, we’re here to help.