The Departments of Labor (DOL), Health and Human Services (HHS), and Treasury announced a proposed federal rule that would create a new category of limited "excepted benefits."
“President Trump is committed to expanding access to fertility benefits so that more American families can have children, building on his longstanding efforts to support family formation and stability,” Acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling said in the Labor Department release.
According to Kennedy, previous administrations tried to discourage pregnancy and motherhood, but warned of declining birth rates and fertility struggles. He added that the current administration is working to encourage family growth.
The proposed fertility benefits would give workers broader access to services for diagnosing and treating infertility and infertility-related reproductive health conditions.
Coverage would include diagnostics, counseling, prescriptions, and surgical care, and employees could enroll in fertility-specific benefits even if they have primary insurance elsewhere. However, it would be capped at a lifetime maximum of $120,000 per participant and their beneficiaries, with inflation adjustments beginning after 2028.
According to the DOL, most workers with employer-sponsored health insurance currently “lack robust fertility coverage.”
The website compiles health guidance and links to outside resources on prenatal care, breastfeeding, nutrition, mental health, adoption, and fertility. It also directs users to pregnancy centers and health centers across the country.
The website states that more than 2,750 pregnancy centers operate nationwide and says many provide pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, parenting support, and baby supplies at no cost. It also notes that federally qualified health centers provide maternal and prenatal care regardless of a patient's ability to pay, and provides search tools to find nearby centers.
The website also highlights initiatives such as Trump Accounts—tax-advantaged investment accounts for U.S. citizens under 18. Eligible children would receive a $1,000 contribution from the U.S. Treasury.
Another section promotes TrumpRx, described as a resource for low-cost and discounted prescription medications.
The announcement follows a February executive order from President Donald Trump, titled Expanding Access to In Vitro Fertilization, directing agencies to identify ways to lower costs and increase the availability of IVF services.
The proposed rule has to undergo the federal rulemaking process before taking effect. A public comment period will allow the public to submit feedback before the administration finalizes the policy.