SB254 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tom Whatley

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Health benefit plans, infertility, coverage for treatment, Secs. 10A-20-6.16, 27-21A-23 am'd

Summary

SB254 would require all group health benefit plans in Alabama to offer coverage for infertility treatment (excluding in vitro fertilization) and to notify buyers about the coverage.

What This Bill Does

If passed, the bill would require any health benefit plan that covers hospital, medical, or surgical expenses to offer infertility treatment coverage under terms agreed between the plan and the group subscriber. It defines infertility treatment and makes clear that in vitro fertilization is not required to be covered. Plans must communicate the availability of this coverage to current and prospective group contract holders. The bill also amends some insurance law provisions to apply these requirements to group policies and to HMOs, with a self-funded plan exception, and states that existing infertility coverage rights under other laws remain intact. It takes effect on the first day of the third month after passage.

Who It Affects

• Group health plan enrollees/insureds in Alabama who would gain coverage for infertility treatment (except IVF) and receive notice about it
• Employers, insurers, and health plan sponsors administering group health benefit plans in Alabama who must implement and communicate the infertility coverage (with a self-funded plan exception)

Key Provisions

• All group health benefit plans issued, amended, or renewed must offer coverage for infertility treatment (excluding in vitro fertilization).
• Treatment coverage includes diagnosis, diagnostic tests, medications, surgery, and related procedures; IVF is explicitly not required to be covered.
• Plans must communicate the availability of infertility coverage to current and prospective group contract holders.
• The bill amends existing insurance law sections to apply the infertility coverage requirement to group policies and HMOs, with an exception for self-funded plans administered by the corporation that does not insure them.
• Existing rights or benefits to infertility coverage under other laws, plans, or policies are not denied or restricted by this act.
• Effective date: the act becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Health Insurance