Infertility is a disease that affects 1 in 8 couples in the United States. And, according to the Society of Reproductive Surgeons (SRS), “most infertility cases -- 85% to 90% -- are treated with conventional medical therapies such as medication or surgery.”
At Wellnest, we support safe, reliable access to IVF and evidence-based fertility care. Below is a summary of the U.S. federal announcement on October 16, 2025, and practical steps you can take to understand the impact on fertility care.
The October announcement included two main initiatives focused on improving affordability and expanding access to fertility care.
First, EMD Serono, as confirmed in its announcement, will offer a discounted bundle of three widely used IVF medications (Gonal-f, Ovidrel, and Cetrotide) through a new federal platform, TrumpRx.gov. The initial pricing agreement applies to this specific group of EMD Serono medications; other major manufacturers such as Ferring Pharmaceuticals and Organon have not yet announced participation. The package is expected to provide significant savings, with officials estimating that patients could pay about $2,200 less per cycle once the program launches in 2026.
Second, the administration outlined a new pathway for employers to offer fertility benefits separately from their major medical plans, similar to how dental or vision coverage is structured. Participation will be voluntary, and these standalone fertility benefits will not receive direct federal subsidies. The intent is to expand access by giving employers more flexibility in how they provide fertility coverage, though the actual impact will depend on how many employers choose to adopt the option and how those plans are implemented.
Several private companies already operate in this space, offering comprehensive fertility and family-building benefits to employers. Major providers include Progyny, which designs and manages fertility-benefit programs for large employers, and Carrot Fertility, which works with small-to-mid-sized employers to broaden access. Both companies publicly welcomed the federal announcement. In an October 2025 statement, Progyny said it “applauds the White House commitment to expand access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) and high-quality fertility care” and reaffirmed its support for policies that make family-building more affordable and inclusive. Carrot Fertility’s CEO Tammy Sun similarly praised the initiative, saying it “helps bring us closer to a future where fertility benefits are as common as dental or vision coverage” and called it “a huge step forward to help increase access and lower costs while maintaining quality care.”
Fertility medications are prescribed as part of an individualized treatment plan developed by a provider. The exact combination and dosage vary by patient, diagnosis, and treatment protocol.
While pharmaceutical manufacturers like EMD Serono and Ferring produce these medications, patients typically obtain them through licensed fertility pharmacies rather than directly from the manufacturer or a government website. Any new pricing program, including those connected to TrumpRx.gov, will likely be coordinated through these specialty pharmacies once available.
While the announcement marks progress toward making fertility care more affordable, it doesn’t change everything. There is still no requirement for employers or insurance companies to cover IVF, so coverage will continue to vary widely from one plan to another.
The new measures focus mainly on the cost of medications, not the full price of an IVF cycle, which also includes procedures, anesthesia, monitoring, and lab work. (Read about our blog about how to evaluate fertility pricing here). For many patients, these other expenses make up the majority of the cost of treatment. At Wellnest, we believe understanding what your insurance covers, and what out-of-pocket costs to expect, remains an important step in planning for care.
Understanding your fertility benefits can feel complicated, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. At Wellnest, our financial counselor works directly with our patients to review treatment plans, prepare clear cost estimates, and coordinate with our billing team so you know what to expect before treatment begins. Still, it helps to do some homework on your side too.
Start by checking with your HR or benefits representative during open enrollment (which is often held annually in November) to see whether fertility treatments, like IVF, egg freezing, or medications, are included in your plan and whether there are lifetime or cycle limits.
If you’re already in treatment, compare pharmacy pricing; medication costs can vary, and some manufacturers offer savings programs (we’ve listed some here). Request a detailed estimate from your clinic that breaks down medications, procedures, anesthesia, and monitoring separately so you can understand where your dollars go.
If you’re planning for a future cycle, keep an eye on updates about the federal medication-discount program expected to roll out in 2026. In the meantime, explore any patient-assistance programs or employer stipends that could help cover part of your costs. Taking these steps early helps you make informed choices and stay focused on what matters most which is your care and your path to parenthood.
Wellnest supports policies that expand safe, timely access to IVF and comprehensive fertility care. We will continue to focus on clear pricing, evidence-based treatment, and helping our patients understand benefits and financing options.
Discover compassionate, comprehensive fertility care in Ogden, Utah. Schedule your first consultation or give us a call to learn more about the ways we support your journey to parenthood.