The 2002-03 New York State budget included a provision mandating that health insurance plans cover some infertility services. The services include:

• coverage for certain diagnostic tests in connection with determining infertility or as part of infertility treatments.
• coverage for all FDA approved infertility drugs, without any caps. This requirement only kicks-in if a company offers prescription drug coverage.
• coverage is subject to co-payments, coinsurance and deductibles as determined by the Insurance Superintendent.
• coverage does not require coverage of assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro-fertilization. Some of those services will be provided under a separate state pilot program funded with $10 million from the tobacco settlement.

To be eligible for the services persons must be between the age of 21 and 44. Individuals must have been covered under the insurance policy for a year and coverage must be part of a "physician's overall plan" and consistent with guidelines promulgated by the Superintendent of Insurance and Health Commissioner. The effective date of the new prescription drug mandate is September 1, 2002 and applies to policies and contracts issued, renewed or modified on or after such date.You should contact your health plan if you have any questions.