By: Emerson Burris
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV) — For families struggling with infertility, in vitro fertilization, or IVF, can be a life-changing solution. But high costs and limited insurance coverage often put treatment out of reach. A newly signed executive order by former President Donald Trump aims to expand insurance coverage for IVF and make treatments more accessible. However, experts say gaps still exist in the plan’s implementation.
Amanda and Steve Ford always envisioned having children. “I had always pictured in my head we were going to have two little girls,” Amanda Ford said. But in 2019, their plans took an unexpected turn when Steve was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The cancer treatment left him infertile, forcing the couple to consider alternative options to start their family. “When we realized we had to start IVF to have a family, we looked into the pricing, and locally, it was going to be way outside of our budget,” Ford said. The cost of IVF varies, but on average, treatment can range between $10,000 and $13,000 per cycle. Many insurance plans do not cover IVF, leaving families to shoulder the financial burden alone.
Trump’s executive order aims to expand insurance coverage for IVF, potentially making the procedure more accessible to couples like the Fords. The order directs federal agencies to explore ways to mandate coverage through private insurers, as well as expand benefits for military families and federal employees. Medical experts acknowledge the potential impact of the order but stress the need for further details. “Although we’re very excited about this new executive order, as it will probably improve access to care, we really do need to see the details of how this will play out,” Dr. Michelle Carter, a fertility specialist, said. While the executive order signals a step forward, there is no definitive timeline for when these changes will take effect or how they will be implemented at the state level.
The Fords’ journey through infertility led them to IVF, which resulted in the birth of their first child, Oliver. However, just seven months ago, they experienced an unexpected surprise—the natural conception and birth of their second son, Finn. Now, a happy family of four, the Fords hope the executive order will pave the way for other families to pursue IVF without financial barriers. “It’s just, you know, opening the door to have the conversation,” Ford said. “So I would like to see more done with that, and I hope that we can continue it and it’s not just, you know, a headline.”
While the order has been signed, there is no clear date for when it will take effect. IVF patients and fertility clinics, such as Kindbody, are hopeful that insurance companies will soon expand coverage, making treatments more accessible. As families across the country wait for updates, the conversation around IVF affordability continues to grow, with advocates calling for permanent and widespread coverage solutions.
