HOPE Act Reintroduced: Will This Bill Cover Your IVF Treatment in the U.S.?

On March 26, 2026, the bipartisan HOPE with Fertility Services Act (H.R. 8119) was reintroduced in the U.S. Congress. If passed, it would require employer-sponsored group health plans that cover obstetrical services to also cover infertility diagnosis, treatment, and standard fertility preservation services, including IVF. But a common question from international patients is: Does this apply to me? Can I get IVF reimbursed if I travel to the U.S. for treatment?

Below is what the bill actually says, who it covers, and most importantly, whether international patients can benefit.

What the HOPE Act Covers

The HOPE Act, officially known as the "Helping to Optimize Patients’ Experience with Fertility Services Act", is designed to help improve the experience of patients in relation to fertility services.

Services covered

Ovulation induction, genetic screening and diagnosis, cryopreservation of reproductive genetic materials (including eggs, sperm, and embryos), intrauterine insemination (IUI), and IVF.

Eligible individuals

Those diagnosed with infertility ( inability to conceive naturally after 12 months of unprotected intercourse, failed standard fertility care, or medically verified reproductive/hormonal disorders) and those with unexplained infertility.

It also covers iatrogenic infertility stemming from chemotherapy, radiation, surgery or related medical conditioning treatments.

Effective date

If passed, the provisions would apply to plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2027.

Who Is Actually Covered?

The HOPE Act regulates employer-sponsored group health plans, insurance provided through employment. It does not condition coverage on U.S. citizenship. Instead, eligibility depends on whether you are enrolled in a qualifying plan.

Thus, the following groups could potentially benefit (if the act passes and their plan falls under its scope): 

1. U.S. citizens and green card holders with employer-sponsored insurance.

2. Foreign nationals working in the U.S. on H-1B, L-1, O-1, or other work visas who are enrolled in an employer’s group health plan.

3. Spouses and dependent children are covered under such plans.

The following individuals would generally NOT be covered:

1. Medical tourists traveling to the U.S. solely for IVF without U.S. employer-based insurance.

2. Individuals purchasing short-term travel medical insurance (these policies seldom cover IVF).

3. Self-employed individuals without group coverage through an employer.

Does the HOPE Act Apply to You? 

If you are not a U.S. citizen and planning to travel to the U.S. for IVF, the HOPE Act will not directly reimburse your treatment costs. However, understanding your status is essential. 

International patients traveling for US IVF

The HOPE Act does not apply to international self-funded patients, so all IVF expenses remain fully out of pocket. A standard US IVF cycle generally costs $15,000-$30,000 plus extra fees for prescription medications.

However, the bill marks a clear policy shift toward nationwide mandatory IVF insurance coverage. Should you or your relatives secure US employment-linked health insurance later, IVF costs will drop substantially.

Candidates planning future US employment

If you plan to work in the U.S. in the future, target employers known for strong fertility benefits (already voluntarily cover IVF), such as large tech firms, universities, and some financial institutions.

Feel free to inquire about fertility coverage during interviews, as reproductive healthcare has grown into a routine bargaining item for employee benefits.

Already Working in the US with valid work visas (H-1B, L-1, and similar visas)

Once the new legislation goes into effect, you may qualify for infertility coverage under your employer’s group health insurance. Consult your company’s HR team to confirm two key points:

1. Does your company‘s health plan qualify as a“group health plan“?

2. Does it already cover infertility treatment, or will it be required to in 2027?

Action step: Before the 2027 plan year, review your policy’s IVF coverage details (deductibles, co-pays, and restrictions on in-network fertility clinics).

Industry Support and Background

The HOPE Act has received endorsements from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and RESOLVE: The National Infertility and Family Building Association.

ASRM Chief Advocacy & Policy Officer Sean Tipton stated: “Establishing a federal standard for coverage would bring greater consistency, reduce financial barriers, and help ensure more patients have a real opportunity to access the care they need”.

ASRM confirmed its support for the bill’s reintroduction in its April 2026 Advocacy in Action briefing.

Note: This article is based solely on publicly available information as of March 26, 2026. It does not evaluate the likelihood of passage, nor compare with other administrative proposals.

How CEF Can Help You

Here is practical guidance from CEF for international patients (especially those from China).

1. Assist you in clarifying the cost structure that may be required in an IVF clinic or reproductive center in the United States.

2. Provide a cost comparison analysis between "self-payment" and "insurance".

3. If you are already working in the United States, we can help you understand the insurance terms and obtain the most cost-effective IVF services.

> For inquiries about U.S. IVF costs and insurance strategies, email info@cefivf.com or visit our Contact page.