In brief
In a recent announcement, President Donald Trump revealed that drugmaker EMD Serono will lower the cost of a common fertility medication as part of new federal guidance encouraging employers to provide fertility coverage separate from major medical plans. While the initiative marks progress in making IVF more affordable, it falls short of Trump's earlier pledge to make IVF treatment free. The move aims to assist couples facing infertility with the rising costs of medication and treatment options.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Drugmaker EMD Serono will reduce the cost of a common fertility medication through a deal struck with the Trump administration, President Donald Trump announced Thursday. Alongside this deal, new federal guidance will encourage employers to offer fertility coverage separately from major medical insurance plans, similar to dental and vision benefits.The announcement gives a glimpse into Trump's initiative to follow through on his executive order aimed at reducing the cost of in vitro fertilization (IVF), a crucial process for many individuals trying to expand their families. However, this new guidance does not meet his earlier promise to provide free IVF treatment.EMD Serono's Gonal-f is one of the medications frequently used in IVF, which can be expensive for patients undergoing multiple cycles that often cost thousands of dollars each. The drug will now be available at a discount via Trump's government website, TrumpRx, allowing patients to purchase it directly from manufacturers.Additionally, the FDA will expeditiously work on approving another fertility drug offered by EMD Serono that is already available in Europe. Despite the positive direction, industry experts stress that comprehensive coverage of IVF treatments is crucial for families facing infertility.Roger Shedlin, CEO of a fertility benefits company, expressed enthusiasm for the new initiatives, stating that any cost reductions will have a significant positive impact on fertility cycles. Families struggling with IVF costs echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of accessible treatments in their journey to parenthood.
