S.Amdt. 5926

This amendment, submitted by Ms. Duckworth, aims to add provisions to bill S. 4784 to ensure that active duty members of the uniformed services and their dependents have coverage for fertility-related care under TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Select.

The amendment seeks to change the law by adding the following:

• Coverage for Fertility Care: It requires the Secretary of Defense to cover fertility-related care, which includes the diagnosis of infertility and fertility treatments. Specific treatments mentioned include sperm and egg retrieval, preservation of oocytes, embryos, or sperm, artificial insemination, and medications.

• In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): For IVF treatments, the coverage must include at least three completed oocyte retrievals and unlimited embryo transfers based on American Society for Reproductive Medicine guidelines.

• Care Coordination Program: It directs the Secretary of Defense to create a program to coordinate fertility-related care to ensure patients get timely treatment. This includes providing training and support to community health care providers regarding the unique needs of uniformed services members and their dependents.

• Limitations and Restrictions: The amendment explicitly states that these benefits do not apply to former members of the uniformed services or their dependents. Additionally, it prohibits the Secretary of Defense from making payments for international surrogacy, artificial womb technology, or human cloning.

The Secretary of Defense would be required to set regulations for this within one year of the Act's enactment, with the changes applying to services provided on or after October 1, 2028.