States Advance IVF Insurance Coverage Requirement Legislation Amid Growing Demand
Twenty-five states and Washington, D.C. currently require private insurance coverage for fertility care, while only New York, Utah, and D.C. offer limited Medicaid coverage. In 2026, Virginia enrolled legislation requiring coverage for three IVF cycles by 2028, while Arizona and Hawaii advanced bills mandating coverage for iatrogenic infertility. Connecticut expanded its infertility definition under existing mandates, reflecting states' focus on incremental coverage expansions.
Tennessee and Oklahoma Advance PBM Pharmacy Ownership Bans
Tennessee's HB 1959, prohibiting PBM pharmacy ownership, passed the House Insurance Committee 16-3 and advances to Government Operations Committee. House Speaker Cameron Sexton co-sponsored the bill citing anti-competitive concerns. Oklahoma's HB 3538 unanimously passed committee with similar restrictions but includes exceptions for rare and orphan drugs, awaiting full House vote. Similar legislation is pending in seven additional states.
State Health Policy Organizations Shaping Healthcare Model Legislation in 2026
Healthcare policy groups including FARB, NAIC, NAMD, NASHP, and NCOIL serve as platforms for state policymakers to collaborate and shape emerging trends. In 2025, multiple organizations adopted model legislation on facility fees and site-neutral payments, with NCOIL passing its Prior Authorization Reform Model Act in November. Groups are now focusing on the Rural Health Transformation Program and 340B oversight for 2026.
How Regional Health Alliances Tackled Vaccine Access in 2025
Following September 2025 federal restrictions limiting COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to adults 65+ and high-risk individuals, 18 states implemented protective measures including executive orders allowing pharmacy administration without prescriptions. Regional alliances like the West Coast Health Alliance and Northeast Public Health Collaborative emerged, while Florida moved to eliminate school vaccine mandates. The bipartisan Governor's Public Health Alliance launched October 15 with 15 governors coordinating responses.
Health Policy Rollup: State Action We Watched in December 2025
Delaware legislators introduced SB 213 eliminating hospital budget oversight authority, while Florida faces court-ordered Medicaid termination pauses after constitutional violations. North Carolina's certificate of need laws face ongoing legal challenges, and New York Governor Hochul proposed $71 million in healthcare investments including mental health licensing reforms. Utah became the first state implementing AI prescription renewals for chronic conditions.
Indiana Drives on Healthcare Reform
Over the past month, arguably no Governor and Legislature have been as proactive in healthcare reform as newly elected Indiana Gov. Mike Braun (R) and Indiana’s General Assembly. In late January, the Governor issued six executive orders pertaining to healthcare access, affordability and transparency.