Sec. 404. Pilot program for fertility treatments
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Congress makes the following findings: Members of the Coast Guard face unique challenges in addressing infertility issues. Frequent deployments, dislocation, transfers, and operational tempo impart unique stresses to members of the Coast Guard and their families. The same stressors often disrupt or make fertility treatments impractical or cost prohibitive. Only 6 military treatment facilities in the United States offer fertility treatments to members of the Armed Forces. Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall establish a pilot program for all qualified members of the Coast Guard for the purpose of expanding access to fertility treatment centers.
The pilot program required by paragraph
(1)may expand access and availability of fertility-related medical care and treatments, as determined by the Commandant. As part of the pilot program under this section, the Commandant shall consider methods to expand access to fertility treatments for members of the Coast Guard, including by— examining support to improve access to fertility services traditionally considered nonessential and not covered by the TRICARE program (as defined under section 1072(7) of title 10, United States Code), such as medications, reproductive counseling, and other treatments; exploring ways to increase access to military treatment facilities that offer assistive reproductive technology services, consistent with— the Department of Defense Joint Travel Regulations issued on June 1, 2022; and the Coast Guard Supplement to the Joint Travel Regulations issued on June 28, 2019; developing a process to allow assignment or reassignment of members of the Coast Guard requesting fertility treatments to a location conducive to receiving treatments; in a case in which use of military treatment facilities is not available or practicable, entering into partnerships with private-sector fertility treatment providers; and providing flexible working hours, duty schedules, and administrative leave to allow for necessary treatments, appointments, and other services associated with receipt of fertility treatments and associated care. The duration of the pilot program under subsection
(a)shall be not less than 5 years beginning on the date on which the pilot program is established. The Commandant— may carry out the pilot program on a district basis; and shall include remote and urban units in the pilot program.