Aetna to Cover Fertility Services

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CVS Health announced that it will provide coverage for intrauterine insemination (IUI) through its subsidiary Aetna, a managed health care company.¹ This will provide patients covered by the company with the option to use IUI as a fertility test or as a way to increase chances of pregnancy. This makes Aetna the first major insurer to provide coverage for this procedure.

In a press release, Aetna chief medical officer and senior vice president Cathy Moffitt, MD, “Expanding IUI coverage is yet another demonstration of Aetna's commitment to women's health across all communities, including LGBTQ+ and unpartnered people. This industry-leading policy change is a stake in the ground, reflecting Aetna's support of all who need to use this benefit as a preliminary step in building their family."

Coverage for IUI will begin on September 1, 2024, and will be effective for most plans. According to CVS Health, plan sponsors will not need to make changes to their plans and the coverage will automatically be included in eligible plans.

Earlier this month, CVS Health announced that Heidi Capozzi had been named as an executive vice president and chief people officer and would be assuming the role on September 9 of this year.²

In a press release issued at the time, Capozzi said, "I am excited to join CVS Health and be part of a team whose strategy is bold and necessary: redefining how health care is delivered in this country. I admire CVS Health for its leadership in imagining and delivering a personalized health care experience, and I am proud to join a company that is truly colleague and customer focused with a mission dedicated to improving health for everyone."

In the same press release, CVS Health president and CEO Karen S. Lynch said, “Heidi brings a depth of experience and a breadth of industry insights to CVS Health, in particular a proven track record of hiring, building, and growing strong teams and advancing a winning culture. From nimble startups to established brands, Heidi has consistently applied her expertise to championing talent and we look forward to her being a part of our leadership team."

Also in August, CVS Health announced a new initiative to ensure access to medication and services during extreme weather events, such as extreme heat or major storms.³

In a press release, practicing physician and vice president and chief clinical innovation officer at CVS Caremark Dr. Dan Knecht said, “Extreme heat kills more Americans each year than all other weather events combined. In addition to fatalities driven by heat strokes, extreme heat can worsen chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Most heat-related deaths are preventable with outreach and intervention. We are proud to introduce a new capability that advances our efforts to find innovative ways to deliver personalized health care to consumers."

Sources

1. Aetna First Major Insurer to Expand and Simplify Access to Fertility Services. CVS Health. August 27, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aetna-first-major-insurer-to-expand-and-simplify-access-to-fertility-services-302230646.html
2. CVS Health Names Heidi Capozzi Executive Vice President, Chief People Officer. CVS Health. August 14, 2024. Accessed August 27, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cvs-health-names-heidi-capozzi-executive-vice-president-chief-people-officer-302222739.html
3. CVS Health Launches First-of-its-Kind Initiative to Support Patients Most Vulnerable to Health Impacts of Extreme Weather Events, CVS Health. August 1, 2024. Accessed August 27, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cvs-health-launches-first-of-its-kind-initiative-to-support-patients-most-vulnerable-to-health-impacts-of-extreme-weather-events-302212083.html