​Does Medicaid Cover Surrogacy?​​

​Does Medicaid Cover Surrogacy?​​

The short answer:​​ No, Medicaid ​does not​ cover surrogacy arrangements, including fertility treatments, IVF, or compensation for surrogate mothers. However, some pregnancy-related medical costs for the surrogate may be covered if she qualifies for Medicaid individually.


Why Medicaid Excludes Surrogacy

Medicaid is a ​state and federal program​ designed to provide healthcare for low-income individuals, but it has strict limitations on fertility and elective procedures:

  1. No Fertility Coverage
    • Medicaid typically ​does not cover IVF, egg/sperm retrieval, or embryo transfers—key steps in gestational surrogacy.
    • Some states (e.g., New York) mandate private insurers to cover infertility treatments, but this rarely applies to Medicaid.
  2. No Surrogate Compensation
    • Medicaid ​does not pay​ surrogate fees (which average 30,000–50,000 in the U.S.).
    • Surrogacy contracts are considered ​private agreements, not medically necessary services.
  3. Limited Pregnancy Care for Surrogates
    • If the surrogate qualifies for Medicaid ​based on her own income, routine prenatal care and delivery may be covered.
    • However, costs tied to the surrogacy process (e.g., screenings, legal fees) are ​not included.

Exceptions and Alternatives

While Medicaid won’t fund surrogacy itself, some options exist:

1. State-Specific Programs

A few states offer limited fertility coverage:

  • Massachusetts: Medicaid covers some infertility diagnostics (not IVF).
  • Illinois/Connecticut: Require private insurers to cover IVF—but Medicaid is exempt.

2. Grants and Financial Aid

Organizations like:

  • Baby Quest Foundation​ (grants for fertility treatments)
  • The Tinina Q. Cade Foundation​ (family-building grants)

3. Employer Insurance

Some companies (e.g., Starbucks, Amazon) include surrogacy benefits for employees.


Bottom Line

Medicaid ​does not pay for surrogacy, but surrogates may qualify for pregnancy-related Medicaid coverage if they meet income requirements. Intended parents typically need ​private insurance, loans, or grants​ to cover costs.

Need help navigating surrogacy financing?​​ Consult a reproductive lawyer or fertility financial advisor.

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