Women and couples in NSW undergoing IVF or assisted can now claim a $2000 rebate on assisted reproductive technology – a first for any Australian state or territory.
The NSW Coalition announced the $80 million NSW Affordable IVF Initiative on Tuesday morning, which will help 12,000 couples pay for out-of-pocket costs associated with the treatment.
NSW Treasurer Matt Kean, said the Coalition had factored in $18 million in the 2022 to 2023 budget to specifically support cancer patients with fertility preservation.
“The high costs of fertility treatment can be a hurdle and add stress to those experiencing fertility issues but the NSW government is helping to lower these costs for families wanting to have a baby,” he said.
Part of the NSW affordable IVF initiative also includes up to five days paid fertility leave for public servants, like teachers, and nurses in order to access the paid fertility treatments.
Minister for Women, Bronnie Taylor estimated that 16 per cent of all couples will face fertility issues and acknowledged the financial burden of IVF and assisted fertility on families. She also confirmed that same-sex couples will be able to access the scheme.
“We want this rebate to be accessible to everybody, so it’s available to all couples and it’s available for (single) women to seek that treatment”, said and Taylor.
“Families are families and they come in all shapes and sizes. We want to support everybody through this process.”
The new $2000 rebate can also be used in conjunction with existing Medicare rebates which can partly cover specialist appointments, and testing.
More to come
