Fighting for Fertility Coverage: State Mandate in North Dakota

This is Infertility

The cost of healthcare can be exorbitant, especially for fertility treatments. There are some incredible grants, funds, and forward-thinking employers that provide support for fertility and family building care, but more and more states are starting to mandate that coverage be offered. While this idea might seem expensive at first glance, providing fertility coverage saves everyone money, not to mention it lessens the stress of fertility treatment for those going through it. This National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW), Progyny is hosting a six-part series featuring several experts who are fighting for fertility coverage. This first episode focuses on Tara Brandner, the founder of the non-profit, Everlasting Hope, and her fight for fertility coverage in North Dakota.

Tara Brandner knew firsthand what it was like to struggle with infertility. Her experience involved an endometriosis diagnosis, several miscarriages, three failed IUI cycles, and IVF. Soon after giving birth, Tara reflected on her turbulent experience with fertility treatment. She concluded that people should not have to go through the financial and emotional stress that she did. Tara decided to use her expertise as a doctorate nurse practitioner and veteran fertility warrior to form a non-profit, Everlasting Hope, that would provide community and resources for infertility. The platform has grown significantly, and she has emerged as a force behind advocating for fertility coverage in her state. Here’s Tara’s story.

Guest: Tara Brandner, founder of Everlasting Hope

Host: Dan Bulger

For more information on Everlasting Hope, check out the website, Instagram, and Facebook. See Resolve’s website for fertility advocacy resources in your state and Progyny’s Talk to HR page for assistance in requesting coverage from your employer.

For more information, visit Progyny’s Podcast page and Progyny’s Education page for more resources. 

Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility.    

Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at [e-mail].