Page Title

SAMPLE LETTER FOR WRITING TO MEMBERS OF CONGRESS-COURTESY OF
RESOLVE

Date

The Honorable (First Name, Last Name)
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Representative (Last Name):

I am writing to ask that you co-sponsor legislation to require health plans to cover the diagnosis and treatment of infertility, a disease that
affects one in 10 couples:

•        The “Family Building Act” (HR 3014) would require all group health plans and individual health plans that cover obstetrical benefits to
also cover diagnosis and treatment for infertility. HR 3014 is sponsored by Rep. Anthony Weiner.
•        HR 3026 would benefit those enrolled in the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program and military health plans. HR 3026 is
sponsored by Rep. Marty Meehan.
•        The “Equity in Fertility Coverage Act” (HR 1852) and the “Medicare Infertility Coverage Act (HR 969), both sponsored by Rep. Robert
Andrews.

Infertility is a medically recognized disease that affects men and women equally. Still, many insurance companies do not provide coverage
for treatment to overcome this disease, but single out infertility for exclusion. I find this to be discriminatory. Well-managed insurance
coverage will not place a large burden on insurance companies. Studies have shown that coverage adds just a few dollars per year to an
insurance premium and may in fact reduce costs by limiting costly treatments that have low rates of success in treating the underlying
problem.

Insurers argue that bearing children is a lifestyle choice. In fact it is. But it is not a choice to have a disease that prevents a person from
having the option to bear children. Insurers raise concerns about some treatments and the possibility of multiple births and the associated
costs. Reproductive doctors are careful to help couples minimize the risks associated with multiple births. A study published in the New
England Journal of Medicine (Aug 29, 2002) concludes that the incidence of multiple births is actually lower in states that have enacted an
infertility insurance requirement than in states without coverage. Why? Because couples with insurance coverage are free to make purely
medical decisions when pursuing some infertility treatments, as opposed to other couples who must also weigh financial considerations
that often result in medical risk taking, multiple births and a high rate of complications during and post-pregnancy.

In 1998, the United States Supreme Court ruled that reproduction is a major life activity under the “Americans with Disabilities Act.” This
ruling demonstrates the importance of reproduction and the impact that infertility, in which the ability to reproduce is impaired, has on the
lives of men and women.

Many affected by infertility do not feel comfortable speaking publicly about this very private struggle, but we represent all racial, religious, and
ethnic groups, as well as both sexes. We are neighbors, co-workers, friends and relatives, and we just want to experience the joy of raising
families without having to bankrupt ourselves in the process. Please help fulfill the dreams of thousands of couples waiting for a family to
love.

Sincerely yours,

Name
Address

SAMPLE LETTER FOR WRITING YOUR U.S. SENATOR

Date

The Honorable (First Name, Last Name)
U.S. Senate
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator (Last Name):

As a constituent, I am writing to ask that you introduce legislation to require health plans to cover the diagnosis and treatment of infertility. Legislation has already been introduced in
the House of Representatives (HR 3014, HR 3026 and HR 1852). As one who has faced obstacles in my attempts to build a much-wanted family, including a lack of insurance
coverage, I know first-hand the impact that the disease can have on those experiencing it.

Infertility is a medically recognized disease. Still, many insurance companies do not provide coverage for treatment to overcome this disease. The financial burden that some of the
treatments may place on couples can be large, and the emotional and physical consequences of experiencing infertility can be overwhelming. (insert information about your personal
situation, including out of pocket costs you have spent for treatment.) The strong desire to build a family gives me the strength to face these obstacles, but I also need your support.

Well-managed insurance coverage will not place a large burden on insurance companies. Studies have shown that coverage adds just a few dollars per year to an insurance
premium. Infertile couples pay the same premiums as fertile couples, but are not able to access needed care. Most diseases and medical conditions are covered by insurance. The
disease of infertility is often singled out for exclusion and I find this to be discriminatory.

Insurers argue that bearing children is a lifestyle choice. In fact it is. But people do not choose to have a disease that prevents them from having the option to bear children. Insurers
raise concerns about some treatments and the possibility of multiple births and the associated costs. Reproductive doctors are careful to help couples minimize the risks associated
with multiple births. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (Aug 29, 2002) concludes that the incidence of multiple births is actually lower in states that have
enacted an infertility insurance requirement than in states without coverage. Why? Because couples with insurance coverage are free to make purely medical decisions when
pursuing some infertility treatments, as opposed to other couples who must also weigh financial considerations that often result in medical risk taking.

In 1998, the United States Supreme Court ruled that reproduction is a major life activity under the “Americans with Disabilities Act.” This ruling demonstrates the importance of
reproduction and the impact that infertility, in which the ability to reproduce is impaired, has on the lives of men and women.

Many affected by infertility do not feel comfortable speaking publicly about this very private struggle, but we represent all racial, religious, and ethnic groups, as well as both sexes. We
are neighbors, co-workers, friends and relatives, and we just want to experience the joy of raising a family, an experience that so many fertile couples take for granted.

Thank you for your consideration of this important issue. Again, I hope that you will introduce legislation to provide greater coverage of infertility treatments and work with others in
Congress to make enactment of the legislation a reality. Please help fulfill the dreams of thousands of couples.

For more information about infertility and about the costs and benefits of insurance coverage, you can contact RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association at 617-623-1156.

Sincerely yours,
Name and Address