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The Department of Veterans Affairs is pleased to announce amendments to regulations regarding fertility counseling and treatment available to certain Veterans and spouses. VA currently provides certain infertility services other than in vitro fertilization (IVF) to Veterans as part of the medical benefits package.
This interim final rule authorizes IVF for a Veteran with a service-connected disability that results in the inability of the Veteran to procreate without the use of fertility treatment. It also states VA may provide fertility counseling and treatment using assisted reproductive technologies (ART), including IVF, to a spouse of a Veteran with a service-connected disability that results in the inability of the Veteran to procreate without the use of fertility treatment. VA will provide ART treatment, including IVF, to these Veterans and spouses.
A summary of key provisions and eligibility criteria for the new VA health benefit ruling includes:
- In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) for those Veterans who have a service connected disability affecting procreation or may cause infertility (any percentage).
- A Non-VA ART consult once the heterosexual couple, who is legally married, has had an infertility workup and IVF is the next step. The non-Veteran spouse also must enroll in VA Health Care.
- VA will cover up to 6 attempts to achieve 3 completed cycle maximum over the lifetime of the Veteran (regardless of other treatments).
“This is a wonderful benefit for Veterans who are trying to conceive,” stated Jill Lamantia, Women Veterans Program Manager. “This enhances the current variety of services to test, diagnose and treat causes of infertility. It allows Veterans with service connected disabilities to the greatest extent possible, the ability to live a full life.”
For more information on ART or IVF at VA Western New York Healthcare System, please contact the Women Veteran’s Program Manager, Jill Lamantia, RN, MSN, NP, at 716-862-8891 or the Women’s Center Pharmacists- Stephanie Newman or Ronetta Alexander, at 862-5483.
Originally posted by Buffalo Healthy Living Magazine . Republished with permission.
