The VA is expanding access to critical IVF services, making it easier for Veterans to build the families they’ve always dreamed of. Previously, VA could only offer IVF to Veterans who were legally married and able to produce their own eggs and sperm. But now, that’s changing.

Under this new policy, the VA will provide IVF benefits to eligible Veterans, regardless of their marital status. And for the first time, Veterans can use donor eggs, sperm, and embryos. This means that unmarried Veterans, as well as those in same-sex marriages, will now have access to these vital services.

This expansion also supports Veterans who, due to service-connected injuries or health conditions, can’t produce their own sperm or eggs. The VA is taking immediate action to implement this policy, with plans to start offering these expanded services nationwide in just a few weeks.

The VA already offers a comprehensive range of fertility services, including:

• Infertility assessments and counseling
• Genetic testing and counseling
• Imaging services like ultrasounds and X-rays
• Hormone therapies
• Surgical corrections
• Fertility medications
• Intrauterine insemination (artificial insemination)
• Egg and sperm freezing
• And more…

If you have a service-connected condition that causes infertility, you and your spouse may be eligible for IVF or other assisted reproductive technology services.

For more information about VA fertility services, coverage, and eligibility, reach out to the Women Veterans Call Center or speak with your Women’s Health Primary Care Provider. Remember, all Veterans enrolled in VA health care are eligible to receive infertility treatment with a referral from their VA provider.

And if you’re transitioning from the military and expecting a child, make sure to talk to your provider about extending your military health care benefits through 6 weeks post-delivery.

The VA is here to support you every step of the way, helping you build the family you’ve always wanted. Reach out today to learn more.

Source:

https://www.womenshealth.va.gov/topics/infertility-and-ivf.asp

Department of Veterans Affairs VHA DIRECTIVE 1334(1)
Veterans Health Administration Transmittal Sheet
Washington, DC 20420 March 12, 2021
IN VITRO FERTILIZATION COUNSELING AND SERVICES AVAILABLE TO
CERTAIN ELIGIBLE VETERANS AND THEIR SPOUSES
AMENDED APRIL 4, 2024 (Directives for VA Infetility 2024):

1334(1)_D_2021-03-12

Eligible Veterans and their spouses can access a variety of infertility treatments, including in vitro fertilization (IVF). To qualify for IVF, Veterans must have a service-connected disability that prevents them from procreating without fertility assistance.

Veterans can schedule an initial evaluation with a VA provider or by calling the Women Veterans Call Center at 855-829-6636. This evaluation, which may be conducted by a VA primary care provider, urologist, or gynecologist, helps determine eligibility for infertility treatment. If eligible, Veterans are referred to community-based infertility specialists, including Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) providers. These specialists collaborate with Veterans and their spouses to create personalized treatment plans, which may include various services.

The VA covers infertility evaluations, counseling, and specific treatments such as hormonal therapies, surgical procedures, artificial insemination, and up to three cycles of IVF. These services are provided through the VA’s community care network, which consists of contracted community providers who deliver care to Veterans.

How to Access VA’s Infertility Services

Veterans seeking infertility services should reach out to their VA health care provider. Additionally, Veterans can contact their local VA Women Veteran Program Manager for further information on available infertility services.

Adopting? You May Be Eligible for Reimbursement

VA offers reimbursement for qualifying adoption expenses to Veterans with a service-connected disability that leads to infertility. Eligible Veterans can request reimbursement for adoption expenses incurred for adoptions finalized after September 29, 2016. More details are available in the Federal Register. Federal Register.

For additional information on IVF treatment, visit the VHA Office of Community Care. Veterans, whether male or female, can also contact the Women Veterans Call Center at 855-829-6636. Community providers interested in offering Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) services to Veterans can visit the VA website VHA Office of Community Care to learn about partnership opportunities.

VA Handbook:

InfertilityBrochure_FINAL_508

Directives for VA Infetility 2024:

1334(1)_D_2021-03-12