Overview

• The White House announced deals with a drug manufacturer and CVS Specialty and Express Scripts to lower prices on fertility medications and to speed FDA review of lower-cost alternatives.
• New federal guidance invites employers to add fertility benefits but imposes no requirement and provides no direct federal funding for comprehensive IVF coverage.
• The administration says medications make up about 20% of IVF costs and discounts could save up to $2,200 per cycle, leaving patients with more than $10,000 in remaining expenses.
• Advocacy groups such as the Center for Reproductive Rights and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine said the package falls short, while anti-abortion leaders and U.S. Catholic bishops objected to expanding IVF access.
• The rollout came during a government shutdown as Republican policy moves are projected to increase premiums, raising concerns that any drug savings could be erased.