Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Avi Schnall (D-30) which would expand Medicaid coverage to include infertility treatments for eligible women, recently passed the Assembly Health Committee and now advances to the Appropriations Committee before heading to the full Assembly for a vote.

The legislation mandates Medicaid coverage of drugs and related medical services for women aged 21 to 44 who are experiencing infertility, contingent on the availability of federal matching funds. The bill mirrors similar coverage already provided under New York State’s Medicaid program.

Assemblyman Schnall, who testified before the committee ahead of the vote, noted the urgent need for this legislation.

“Infertility is a deeply painful and often isolating experience — and for women on Medicaid, the lack of coverage has made treatment completely out of reach,” Schnall said. “This bill ensures that these women are no longer denied the hope of building a family simply because of their financial circumstances.”

Under the bill, covered services will include office visits, pelvic ultrasounds, blood testing, and hysterosalpingograms. Coverage will be capped at three treatment cycles per beneficiary’s lifetime.

“As public servants, we have a responsibility to ensure that access to health care is not just a privilege for the few, but a right for all,” said Schnall. “I thank the Health Committee for recognizing that infertility is a medical condition — not a luxury — and I urge my colleagues in the Assembly to pass this bill swiftly.”