In a significant move to enhance healthcare affordability, President Donald J. Trump has announced a new agreement aimed at lowering in vitro fertilization (IVF) costs and expanding access to quality fertility care for American families. This third agreement involves EMD Serono, a leading pharmaceutical manufacturer known for its fertility medications.
New Affordable Fertility Drug Pricing
The initiative introduces the concept of most-favored-nation pricing for prescription drugs. Under this framework, the price paid for fertility medications will align with the lowest cost charged in other developed nations. As a result of this agreement, women purchasing GONAL-F, a widely used fertility medication, can access it at a remarkable discount through TrumpRx.gov.
- Women purchasing directly from TrumpRx.gov can secure a discount of 796% off the deal price.
- Low- and middle-income women will enjoy an additional discount, amounting to 2,320% off.
- Estimated savings of up to $2,200 per IVF treatment cycle will be available.
Fertility medications typically account for nearly 20% of the overall costs associated with fertility treatment, which often exceeds $5,000.
Manufacturing Investment and Broader Access
In a historic commitment, EMD Serono will commence manufacturing IVF drugs within the United States, adhering to the timelines established in this new agreement. The deal also ensures access to most-favored-nation pricing for all new innovative medications introduced to the market.
Expedited Drug Approvals and Lower-Cost Alternatives
President Trump announced that the FDA will prioritize the review of a lower-cost fertility drug. This drug, although approved in Europe, is still awaiting approval in the U.S. The new priorities will likely reduce the review timeline from 10-12 months to just 1-2 months, promoting additional competition in the fertility drug market.
Expanded Fertility Benefits for Employers
A crucial aspect of this initiative is a new benefit option allowing employers to directly offer fertility benefits, akin to dental and vision insurance. This legal pathway promotes wider access to IVF coverage for employees.
- Employers can now provide standalone benefit packages for infertility treatments.
- The Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury aim to facilitate broader benefit offerings in this area.
Currently, only 42% of employers provide fertility services coverage, while only 32% cover fertility medications and IVF treatments. Notably, 70% of large employers do offer IVF coverage.
Support for American Families
This commitment to lower IVF costs coincides with President Trump’s ongoing support for family stability and formation. With one in eight couples facing infertility challenges, reducing financial barriers for IVF treatments is essential. Costs can span from $12,000 to $25,000 per cycle, often necessitating multiple attempts.
Additionally, Trump has previously introduced initiatives such as the Working Families Tax Cuts, which include provisions for newborn investment accounts and enhanced Child Tax Credits, providing assistance to over 40 million families.
Through these measures, President Trump emphasizes a broader goal: to support American families in their journey toward parenthood while addressing the challenges of infertility and the associated costs of high-quality fertility care.
