LARC's Dr. Marc Kalan Talks IVF Insurance with the Los Angeles Times

Nine months after California's IVF insurance mandate took effect, the Los Angeles Times looked at how the law is playing out for the patients it was meant to help. Their answer: it has opened the door to parenthood for many Californians, but it has also created a clear split between the insured and the uninsured.

Los Angeles Reproductive Center co-founder Dr. Marc Kalan was one of the fertility doctors the Times interviewed for the story, "Across California's IVF insurance divide, many are priced out of parenthood."

"I see people in my clinic who don't understand they don't have insurance coverage," Dr. Kalan told the Times. He added that other patients are stuck in limbo, unsure whether their coverage will change.

A Landmark Law With Real Limits

On January 1, 2026, California became the 15th state to require insurers to cover IVF. Senate Bill 729 is considered one of the most inclusive fertility mandates in the country. It covers up to three completed egg retrievals and unlimited embryo transfers, and it applies to LGBTQ+ and single patients who were long excluded by older definitions of infertility.

It's already making a difference. Physicians at five Los Angeles-area fertility clinics told the Times that patient numbers have gone up by about 20% on average since the law took effect, and many of those new patients had put off IVF because of cost.

But the mandate only applies to fully insured large-group plans (generally employers with 100+ employees) and CalPERS. According to a legislative analysis cited by the Times, that's roughly 9 million Californians. Many others are left out, including people with:

• Self-funded employer plans
• Small-group plans through smaller employers
• Individual or Covered California marketplace plans
• Medi-Cal
• Coverage through religious employers or the military
• No insurance at all

Even patients who are covered can face big bills. The law covers the medical care for donor eggs, sperm, embryos, or a gestational carrier. It does not cover donor compensation, agency fees, legal fees, or a carrier's pregnancy, which can add tens of thousands of dollars to the total cost.

Doctors also told the Times the rollout has been chaotic. Some employers only introduced new plans this summer, and many patients show up unsure what their policy covers or what deductibles and out-of-network limits apply.

Know Before You Go: How to Check Your Coverage

Dr. Kalan's point is that many patients assume they're covered, or assume they aren't, without checking. Here's how to find out where you stand:

1. Ask HR or your benefits administrator whether your plan is "fully insured" or "self-funded." This one detail decides whether SB 729 applies to you.
2. Ask your insurer for your fertility benefit in writing. Confirm the number of retrievals and transfers covered, whether you need prior authorization, and your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum.
3. Check in-network status. Out-of-network limits can change your costs a lot.
4. Plan for third-party costs. If you're using a donor or gestational carrier, budget for the fees the law doesn't cover.
5. Talk to a financial counselor. Our financial team can help you understand your benefits and explain what you'll owe.

For more detail, see our California Senate Bill 729 FAQ and our guide, Does Your California Health Plan Have to Cover IVF? A 2026 Guide.

Support at LARC, Whatever Your Coverage

At Los Angeles Reproductive Center, we believe a path to parenthood shouldn't depend on the fine print of your health plan. Whether you're fully covered, partly covered, or paying out of pocket, our team will help you understand your benefits, walk you through your options, and build a treatment plan that fits your goals and budget.

Our financial counselors can verify your insurance before your first appointment, so you know what to expect. If you aren't covered under SB 729, we'll go over self-pay options and financing so cost doesn't have to be the reason you wait.

Ready to take the next step? Schedule a consultation with one of our fertility specialists, or visit our Cost and Insurance page to learn more.