NMFA Condemns Removal of IVF Coverage for Military Families in Final FY26 NDAA

The National Military Family Association (NMFA) is surprised and deeply disappointed by Congress’ eleventh-hour decision to drop language from the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would have extended coverage of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other assisted reproductive technologies for service members and their families.

While IVF coverage was included in both the House and Senate versions of the bill and comes amid growing bipartisan and public support for IVF nationwide, including from the President, it was stripped from the final package, even as federal civilian employees, including members of Congress and their staff, receive this benefit.

“Service members face unique fertility challenges tied directly to the risks of military service,” said Besa Pinchotti, CEO of NMFA. “Denying them access to the same IVF coverage provided to civilian federal employees is inequitable and unacceptable. This decision sends the wrong message to families who have already sacrificed so much.”

“For many military families, IVF is not a luxury; it is the only path to building a family,” said Eileen Huck, NMFA’s Acting Director of Government Relations. “For Congress to remove this language at the final stage of negotiations, despite overwhelming bipartisan and bicameral support, is profoundly disappointing. NMFA will continue to press Congress until TRICARE provides equitable access to fertility care, including IVF.”