Aetna Settles Lawsuit Over LGBTQ Fertility Treatment Coverage Disparity
In a landmark settlement, Aetna has agreed to pay $2 million and update its coverage policies to address allegations of discrimination against LGBTQ beneficiaries seeking fertility treatments. The lawsuit, filed by four individuals in 2021, claimed that Aetna required LGBTQ couples to pay more out of pocket for fertility treatments compared to heterosexual couples.
Under the previous policy, heterosexual couples only needed to attest that they had been trying to conceive for a certain period before receiving coverage for fertility treatments. However, LGBTQ couples who could not conceive through intercourse were required to pay for treatments out of pocket for up to a year before being eligible for coverage.
As part of the settlement, Aetna will establish a new standard health benefit plan that covers artificial insemination regardless of sexual orientation. The company will also create a $2 million fund to reimburse beneficiaries for out-of-pocket expenses incurred under the old policy and modify its clinical policies to ensure equal access to fertility treatments.
Lead plaintiff Emma Goidel, who claimed she and her spouse spent nearly $45,000 on fertility treatments due to Aetna’s policy, hailed the settlement as “a big win for queer families.” The National Women’s Law Center, representing Goidel and the other plaintiffs, expressed hope that other insurers will follow Aetna’s lead in addressing discriminatory coverage policies.
Aetna denied any wrongdoing in the settlement, stating that it is committed to providing quality care to all individuals regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. The company’s agreement to update its policies marks a significant step towards ensuring equal access to fertility treatments for all beneficiaries.