The Senate passed a measure Dec. 13 that would allow female veterans to receive in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment at Department of Veterans Affairs medical treatment facilities. At present, VA is barred from providing IVF treatment. TRICARE, the Defense Department’s managed-care program, provides IVF services to eligible female beneficiaries. The measure, S. 3313, would extend the same benefits to all veterans. It also calls for improved counseling and outreach for female veterans, the Fleet Reserve Association reported. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., the chair of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, sponsored the bill. Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Wash., has introduced a similar measure, H.R. 6527, in the House.
