Here’s what we know about Ontario’s proposed IVF tax credit and $150M investment into fertility programming
Health25.10.2024
For many hopeful parents, the journey to parenthood through fertility treatment brings not only emotional challenges but often financial ones.
With costs reaching tens of thousands of dollars and limited insurance coverage, the expenses can feel daunting, making it harder for some to access the care they need to grow their families.
However, the Ontario government is hoping to alleviate some of that pressure.
In a landmark announcement released on October 24, the government unveiled its plan to invest $150 million into the Ontario Fertility Program (OFP), which provides funding to help eligible patients build their families.
This new infusion of funding over the next two years will help expand the program to more clinics, reducing waitlists and increasing the number of families who can access government-funded care.
“We believe strong families help build strong communities, which is why our government is enhancing healthcare access and providing families with the support they need to navigate their fertility journeys,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “With these new investments, we are reducing cost barriers and helping more people and families across the province achieve their dream of becoming parents.”
A tax break for IVF
The announcement also laid out a plan to introduce a new tax credit, which would provide families undergoing fertility treatment access to up to $5,000 a year in financial support to cover expenses, including IVF cycles, fertility medications, travel for treatment, and diagnostic testing.
“The expanded fertility support program will undoubtedly have a positive impact on those currently facing fertility struggles and the many citizens yet to embark on this journey,” said Emily McIntosh, Executive Director, Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society. “This announcement from the Ontario government is a major advancement in both the level of support and funding models utilized provincially — showcasing Ontario as a leader within Canada and globally.”
Currently, the OFP supports 50 provincial clinics, providing publicly funded fertility services, including artificial insemination, intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), and fertility preservation. Since its launch in 2015, the program has been provided to over 107,000 Ontarians, with the goal to dramatically increase that number with this new investment.
