How Fertility Benefits in So. Cal Are Shifting in 2026 (And What It Means for You)

Wondering if your employer will help cover the cost of fertility treatment in 2026? When we published “What California’s SB-729 Means for You,” we explained how the new law will require many California employers to begin covering fertility treatment in January 2026. If you missed that article, you can read it here: Unlocking Access to Fertility Care: What California’s SB-729 Means for You.

Policy is only part of the story. While creating our white paper, The State of Fertility Benefits in Southern California 2026, we looked at how coverage is actually evolving across the region. Here are some highlights and what they may mean for you.

Key Trends in Fertility Benefits

• More employers are preparing for SB-729Large employers are already redesigning benefit plans. Some are rolling out coverage as early as January 2026. If you work for a company with 100 or more employees, you may soon see fertility benefits added to your plan.
• Some groups are exempt or delayedSelf-insured employers, certain government plans, and specialty insurance groups may not adopt SB-729 immediately. This means some patients will still face gaps in coverage or higher out-of-pocket costs.
• Coverage looks very different from plan to planNot all “fertility benefits” are created equal. Some plans include full IVF coverage while others only cover diagnostic testing or IUI. Pay attention to details such as cycle limits, lifetime caps, and eligibility requirements.
• Education and communication are laggingMany HR teams are just beginning to understand SB-729 and how to communicate it to employees. This can leave patients uncertain about what is truly covered.

What You Can Do Now

Even with change coming in 2026, taking action today can save time, money, and stress later. Here are a few practical steps:

1. Talk with HR or your benefits manager Ask whether your employer’s plan will fall under SB-729, when that will happen, and which fertility services will be included.
2. Review your current plan Some insurance plans already provide limited coverage for fertility services such as diagnostics or IUI. Knowing what you already have can help you plan.
3. Do not delay testing or consultation Fertility is time sensitive. Testing ovarian reserve, sperm health, or hormone levels early can give you more options regardless of policy timelines.
4. Ask specific questions Examples include:
   • Does my plan cover IVF or only testing?
   • How many cycles are allowed?
   • Are there annual or lifetime maximums?
   • Is donor or gestational carrier support included?
5. Stay connected with your care teamFertility clinics like RPMG monitor policy updates closely and can help interpret what new benefit rules mean for you.

Why This Update Matters

SB-729 set an important benchmark for fertility access in California. The reality, however, is that coverage in 2026 will vary widely depending on where you work and which plan you have. Patients who stay informed, ask questions, and seek care early are more likely to move forward with confidence.

At RPMG, we believe access to fertility care should not depend on where you work or how well you know your insurance plan. We are committed to helping patients understand their options and make the best use of the benefits available to them.