TASC Legislative Alert:
To All Those Interested In Health Insurance Reform;
Please sign this petition if you are interested in passing the FAMILY BUILDING ACT In New Jersey.FAMILY BUILDING ACT In New Jersey
Assembly Bill A2053 ~ Senate Bill S1196
As a registered voter, I am concerned that New Jersey's plan for thefuture does not include coverage for patients with the diagnosis of infertility. A recent court finding in Iowa has stipulated that infertility is a disease requiring treatment and that not providing infertility treatment coverage is discrimination. Additionally, at a time when the country is espousing "family values", I find it perplexing that couples attempting to establish a family are being compromised by their health care insurers, and the state government.I do support the state and local insurance providers on their efforts to reduce costs while maintaining a competitive benefits package. However,all health care benefits should include pregnancy related benefits for the infertile, and as a component, coverage for all the procedures and medications necessary to achieve and maintain a pregnancy, especially since studies show that 1 in 10 couples of childbearing years is found to be infertile. Portions of the premiums infertile couples pay cover maternity benefits for fertile couples. Therefore, I believe it is perfectly appropriate for fertility services to be covered by these policies as well, rather than earmarked for exclusion.
In a recent study in Massachusetts, it was discovered that providing infertility insurance to all couples only added a cost of $1.76 per month to each subscribers monthly premium. This cost included coverage for fertility drugs, assisted reproductive technology operations, and testing. Currently 12 states require insurance companies to cover infertility benefits. Isn't it time New Jersey requires it for our citizens.
I would hope that the representatives of New Jersey, such as yourself, will reconsider this decision to limit women's health care, and instead recognize the value of all women's health care issues, including infertility. Being unable to have children is a source of lasting grief and disappointment to individuals who wish to raise children, and to have a family. Procreation deserves protection of the fundamental right because of it's connection to raising children.
The patients of infertility centers are people who sincerely want to have children, and are willing to suffer emotional and physical distress in order to have a child, and to be able to raise a family. These are the people who should be having children. Please do not deny them this opportunity, or right. Please change our state laws to include coverage for infertility treatment for all state citizens. Please support the Family Building Act.
Sincerely,
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To find out who your state/district representatives are, and if you would like to send your letter or a copy of this petition to your state representatives please visit Senators With Constituent E-mail at http://www.senate.gov/senator/membmail.html and Congressional E-mail at http://congress.org/elecmail.html . Another informative site is http://www.ebicom.net/~mcgee/nj.htm they have the latest updates on these bills.UPDATE 10/24/97: Click here NOW to read a disturbing response from Assemblyman Guy R. Gregg. He is the Assistant Majority Whip on the NJ Insurance Committee that will be discussing and deciding on the Family Building Act in New Jersey.
If you would like to add your name to my petition please e-mail me blaise@planet.net with your name and the statement " I support the Family Building Act in New Jersey."Thanks for your support, we can make a difference.
Sincerely,
Leanne
TASC Online Support Member
October, 1997
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