What California Senate Bill 729 means for your fertility journey
Update (May 2025): California Senate Bill 729 (SB 729) will now take effect on January 1, 2026, instead of the originally planned July 2025 date. This delay gives patients and providers more time to prepare. SGF will continue to share updates and help you make the most of your current and future fertility coverage.
Expanded insurance coverage for IVF and fertility treatment starts in 2026
Big changes are coming to fertility coverage in California. As of January 1, 2026, Senate Bill 729 (SB 729) will require most small- and large-group health insurance plans to cover both the diagnosis and treatment of infertility, including in vitro fertilization (IVF).
This law marks a major step forward for reproductive access across the state.
Should I wait until 2026 to start fertility treatment?
While it might be tempting to hold off until your insurance kicks in, age remains the biggest factor impacting fertility. Waiting could limit your options or affect your success rates.
We recommend meeting with a fertility specialist now to:
- Understand your fertility potential
- Complete important diagnostic testing
- Create a treatment plan that works for your goals and timeline
If you’re eligible for expanded coverage in 2026, we’ll help you align your plan accordingly—but getting answers today puts you in control.
What is Senate Bill (SB 729)?
Senate Bill 729 is a new California law requiring many insurance plans to include comprehensive fertility care. This includes:
- Diagnosis and treatment of infertility (including IVF)
- Up to three completed egg retrievals
- Unlimited embryo transfers, based on clinical guidelines
The bill also updates the definition of infertility to be more inclusive, supporting access for:
- LGBTQIA+ individuals
- Single parents
- Others who may have previously been excluded from fertility benefits
How SGF supports California patients
SGF offers a full range of services to meet your needs, including:
- IVF and IUI
- Fertility testing and diagnostics
- LGBTQIA+ family-building
- Egg, sperm, and embryo freezing
- Egg and sperm donation
- Embryo screening and genetic testing
- Gestational carrier services
What if you’re not covered by SB 729?
Not everyone will immediately benefit from the new law—some smaller plans and out-of-state employers may not be affected. Our financial educators are well-versed in the different insurance plans and can help determine if you have coverage. And if not, SGF offers several financial programs to help ease the cost of fertility treatment:
- Shared Risk 100% Refund for IVF or Donor Egg – includes up to 6 retrievals and unlimited frozen embryo transfers. If you don’t take home a baby, you get a full refund.
- Assure Fertility for Egg Freezing – includes multiple egg retrievals for a set cost.
- Multi-cycle discounts
- Income-based discounts
- Financing available with monthly payment options
Ready to move forward?
Expanded insurance benefits are on the way—and our team is here to help you make the most of them. Whether you’re just beginning or already planning treatment, we invite you to connect with one of our specialists to learn more about your options.
Medical contribution by Alexander Quaas, M.D., Ph.D.
Alexander Quaas, M.D., Ph.D., is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) as well as reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI). Dr. Quaas completed his residency in OB/GYN at Brigham and Women’s / Massachusetts General Hospital in the Harvard Integrated OB/GYN Residency Program. He completed his REI fellowship at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.
