Judge approves historic settlement in LGBTQ fertility lawsuit

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A federal judge has approved a class action settlement between Aetna and same-sex couples in New York who alleged discrimination in fertility treatment coverage. Aetna agreed to cover artificial insemination and work towards equal access to IVF procedures for all customers nationwide. This marks the first time LGBTQ couples denied fertility coverage in the US can seek reimbursement. Emma Goidel and her spouse, Ilana Caplan, filed the lawsuit after being denied coverage for fertility treatments, spending over $50,000 out of pocket. Aetna did not comment, but CVS Health Corp. expressed commitment to providing quality care regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Thirteen states mandate fertility treatment coverage for same-sex couples, but companies with self-funded insurance policies are exempt. Cases against UnitedHealthcare and Blue Cross Blue Shield are also ongoing. The settlement represents progress towards equal access to fertility treatments for LGBTQ individuals.

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