Half of large US employers now include IVF benefits, yet most workers remain unaware, risking out-of-pocket costs up to $23,474 per cycle, new data shows.

Key Highlights

  • Carrot Fertility (NASDAQ: CRRT) serves over 1,000 employers, yet most workers don’t know their benefits exist.
  • State mandates for IVF coverage apply unevenly, leaving self-funded employer plans exempt.
  • A proposed federal rule could allow $120,000 lifetime fertility benefits, but changes remain distant.

Half of large US employers now include in vitro fertilization (IVF) in their benefits packages, but a knowledge gap leaves workers exposed to steep out-of-pocket costs.

The average price tag for one IVF cycle stands at $23,474, a figure that climbs higher for patients needing multiple attempts.

Despite the growing availability of coverage, most employees remain unaware their plans include fertility benefits, risking unnecessary financial strain.

Carrot Fertility, a platform used by more than 1,000 employers, has become a key player in expanding access.

One New Jersey mother, Jaclyn Glass, secured a role at a company offering Carrot’s services after her first IVF cycle.

Even with coverage, she and her husband spent $8,000 across two rounds.

The expansion of IVF benefits reflects broader shifts in employer healthcare strategies.

In 2019, only 22% of large companies covered fertility treatments.

By 2024, that figure has more than doubled.

Yet state mandates create an uneven landscape.

Fifteen states plus Washington, D.C., require IVF coverage, but self-funded employer plans, used by over half of all companies, are exempt from these laws.

Federal action may eventually standardize coverage.

The Trump administration proposed a rule allowing standalone fertility benefits with a $120,000 lifetime cap.

However, the measure remains in a public comment phase, with experts warning of no immediate impact.

Until then, workers face a patchwork of policies and potential financial surprises.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult a licensed financial adviser before making investment decisions.