Ralph and Michael Maguire-Losanno: Fighting for LGBTQ+ Fertility Treatment Insurance Coverage
The Big Idea:
● Loving parents and dedicated LGBTQ+ advocates Ralph and Michael Maguire-Losanno fought to ensure all couples have the opportunity to raise a child in New Jersey. The Morris Plains couple worked to pass legislation that expands health insurance coverage for LGBTQ+ individuals for infertility treatments.
● Thanks to Ralph and Michael’s leadership to pass this groundbreaking law (A5235/S3627), LGBTQ+ couples in New Jersey can now get coverage for many more of the treatments they need to help start a family.
Background:
● Before Ralph and Michael helped pass legislation, insurance coverage and eligibility for infertility treatments could be tricky, especially for gays couples. Without insurance coverage, treatments, including donated eggs that can cost $15,000 to $20,000, are unaffordable for many aspiring parents in New Jersey.
● To have their first child, Luca, Ralph and Michael spent almost every dollar in their savings, around $160,000, for a donated egg and carrier. These are common procedures for gay couples.
● Since neither Ralph nor Michael was considered medically infertile, insurance would not cover the expenses of fertility treatments needed for them to start a family.
● By telling their story in Trenton, Ralph and Michael helped make it possible for every couple in New Jersey to start the challenging and rewarding journey of parenthood no matter their sexual orientation.
Fun Fact:
Only seven states, including New Jersey, require insurance providers to cover some fertility treatments for LGBTQ+ couples.
Their Take:
Ralph and Michael Maguire-Losanno with their son, Luca.
“So many people in the state of New Jersey are going to benefit from this coverage. The new law provides a significant increase in what is covered and now it's going to be applied across the board whether you are a single person, a lesbian couple, a heterosexual couple or a gay couple. It will not matter – if you need the service, it will be covered. Anyone who wants a child this badly deserves a family.”
- Parents and LGBTQ+ Advocates Ralph and Michael Maguire-Losanno
