Labor Market Incidence of Health Insurance Mandates: The Case of Infertility Mandates

As the number and scope of state health insurance mandates increases, many have theorized that the increase in mandates is beneficial for workers: mandates are valued at cost and do not decrease labor market outcomes. This study examines whether this principle holds true for a unique type of health insurance mandate: coverage for infertility treatment. Twelve states have implemented mandates requiring that firms that offer health insurance additionally cover infertility treatment. The study compares women in affected age groups in states with fertility laws, determining whether employment and wages for this demographic are affected by mandated infertility treatment coverage