Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Discusses Egg Freezing and Insurance Coverage Challenges

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) announced on Instagram that she is freezing her eggs, a decision she described as a way to feel more in control of her life. She acknowledged the privilege of being able to afford the procedure, which typically costs between $10,000 and $20,000, and noted that most health insurance plans, including her own federal health plan, do not cover it. Currently, only 12% of large employers offer coverage for egg or sperm freezing, according to a 2024 KFF employer survey. While 21 states mandate some level of coverage for fertility preservation when deemed medically necessary, elective procedures like egg freezing are generally not included. The lack of insurance coverage creates significant barriers for many women seeking this option. A study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that fewer than 6% of individuals who froze their eggs electively returned to use them within five to seven years. Awareness about age-related fertility decline and the realities of egg freezing remains low among younger women, highlighting the need for better education and access to fertility treatments.