government
Senate OKs veterans’ access to fertility treatments
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Dec. 24, 2012
Legislation to improve Dept. of Veterans Affairs coverage of in vitro fertilization for women veterans and veterans’ spouses was adopted unanimously in the Senate on Dec. 13.
Wounded veterans cannot access in vitro fertilization treatments without high out-of-pocket costs, said Sen. Patty Murray (D, Wash.), who sponsored the bill. Enactment of the bill would bring the VA in line with similar fertility coverage that active military members receive.
“Providing this service is a cost of war, and part of the commitment we make to care for our service members and veterans when they return home,” Murray said. “I’m hopeful that now that this bill has passed the Senate without a single objection, the House can also move forward and pass the bill before the end of this year.”
The companion legislation to the Senate bill was introduced in the House on Sept. 21. The bill has 20 co-sponsors but still was at the committee level at this article’s deadline.
