The Canberra Liberals have made an election commitment of rebates for IVF or certain Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) treatments.
The rebates will cover out-of-pocket expenses of up to $2,000 incurred when undergoing IVF or certain assisted reproductive technology, and up to $1,000 for intra-uterine insemination (IUI), shadow minister for health and deputy opposition leader Leanne Castley said.
They will include a maximum $250 rebate for out-of-pocket expenses incurred undergoing initial fertility tests from the same clinics, to assist Canberrans determine their suitability for ART treatment. Rebates will also be available for ACT residents who access eligible interstate fertility clinics that offer specialised treatment unavailable in Canberra.
Canberra Liberals leader Elizabeth Lee said the rebates will be available for all ACT families undergoing fertility treatment from an accredited provider to assist with costs not reimbursed by Medicare or private health insurance.
“Infertility affects around one in six Australian couples of reproductive age, and the significant out-of-pocket costs involved with accessing these services are a barrier for many women and families who want to undergo this treatment,” Ms Lee said.
“This policy is about providing further support for Canberrans who wish to access IVF or certain ART treatments but are unable to do so due to out of pocket expenses.
“We have heard from many Canberra families who suffer for years – mostly in silence – with the emotional, physical and financial toll of infertility and treatments.
“We know the burdens this can place on so many families. A Canberra Liberals government I lead will acknowledge and understand these burdens and will support families going through these experiences.”
Health minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said the ACT Government was already exploring options for making fertility treatment more affordable, including low-cost options. They had also improved the regulation of assisted reproductive technology space.
This term, Ms Stephen-Smith continued, the government passed assisted reproductive technology legislation to make it safer and more equitable for parents and donor-conceived children, including requiring ART providers to offer counselling and support services. It gave ACT public servants access to five days of assisted reproductive leave per year, allowing employees going through IVF or other assisted reproductive processes time to attend appointments and procedures without having to access their other leave entitlements.
ACT Labor supported the Federal Government’s establishment last year of the ART storage funding program to remove out-of-pocket costs for fertility preservation to freeze eggs, sperm and embryos for people who have cancer or are at risk of passing on a genetic condition.
“ACT Labor has a proven track record of making healthcare more accessible and affordable,” Ms Stephen-Smith said. “We will have more to say about our plans for health through the ACT Budget and election campaign.”
Ms Castley said: “Despite in 2022 the Health Minister saying Labor would explore options for increasing affordability and accessibility for ART, as usual nothing appears to have been done. The Canberra Liberals are committed to helping ACT women and families with these costs in order to undergo IVF or IUI treatments.”
