When Insurance Isn’t Enough: SB 729 and the Real Cost of Fertility Care

For many Californians, the cost of diagnosis and treatment for infertility is a significant financial barrier. We, at JFLA, are closely watching SB 729, a new law that passed in 2025 mandating fertility coverage by large employer health plans (defined as more than 100 employees in California). Starting January 1, 2026, all large employer-sponsored health insurance plans are required to include coverage for infertility diagnosis and treatment, including IVF, to help more individuals and families access care.

While this is a huge step forward in a positive direction, it does not always create medical care that everyone can afford. While large employer group sponsored plans may now include fertility benefits, the co-pays, deductibles, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximums may still apply. With healthcare costs continuing to rise, those seeking care are now responsible for significant upfront expenses before insurance meaningfully contributes. In many cases, medications, lab work, and treatment cycles for IVF must be paid for in advance, creating additional financial pressure for families even when they have coverage through insurance plans.*

Because of these realities, insurance alone may not fully address the financial cost of fertility care.

For families eager to move forward, there is another option: a zero-interest, zero-fee loan from JFLA can help bridge the financial gap. Established in 2013, the Feit 4 KidZ Fertility Loan Fund has offered zero-interest, zero-fee loans to cover IVF, medications, and related medical expenses for fertility. To date, Feit 4 KidZ has provided 406 loans and over $6,000,000 to our community to have babies and start families.

Over the years, Feit 4 KidZ has successfully supported Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara County residents in managing fertility expenses to help them start families. One of those families is Renee and Jonathan’s. After years of heartbreak and uncertainty, Renee and Jonathan were told that IVF was the only option for growing their family. They found hope through the support of Feit 4 KidZ and JFLA, and that support led to the birth of their daughter, Zoey Eloise. Today, their family of four is thriving, a powerful reminder of how compassionate support can turn dreams into reality.

To learn more about the Feit 4 KidZ Fertility Loan Fund including how to apply, please visit this page.

*Prior to engaging with a medical provider, it is important to check directly with your health insurance provider or human resources department to confirm whether your plan qualifies under SB 729 and to understand exactly what fertility benefits are included, along with any remaining costs.