Building strong families: Supporting America’s union members through modern fertility benefits

Labor leaders have long fought to build best-in-class benefits to support their union members. But between odd hours, long shifts, and rigid schedules, union workers face unique challenges that make it difficult to book appointments, meet with providers, and get care in a world that’s built for the traditional employee. 

In an ever-evolving benefits landscape, fertility and family building benefits are now on the must-have list to help build strong union families. Implementing fertility benefits for your trust can help attract new members and ensure they are getting the care they need, whenever they need it.

Key components of effective fertility benefits

Modern union fertility benefits cover a variety of aspects of the family building journey, including:

• Fertility medication
• IVF treatment
• Egg freezing services
• Genetic testing
• Hormone treatments
• Access to specialists and clinics
• Emotional and mental health support
• Financial support and management

Fertility issues affect men just as much as women, and benefits should be tailored to meet the needs of all members who are trying to start or grow their families. Maven Clinic, the leading provider for fertility and family benefits, offers members unlimited, timely access to speciality care through its 24/7 virtual clinic, where they can meet with providers at no cost. Maven can also administer fertility and family benefits and reimbursements to help unions maximize existing health benefits and ensure every dollar is correctly spent.

The importance of fertility benefits in labor unions

Fertility benefits and fertility services are one of the fastest growing areas for benefits investment, and for good reason. Roughly one in eight American couples face fertility challenges, with a third of cases attributed to male-factor infertility. Fertility treatments are notoriously expensive, especially when they’re not covered by union benefits. 

Demand for fertility support is continuing to rise: four in ten Americans say they’ve used or know someone who’s used fertility treatments. Since union workers comprise over 10% of the U.S. labor force, it’s likely that many are pursuing fertility and family building services. 

Why fertility benefits matter for unions

Cost

Fertility treatments aren’t cheap—one round of IVF can cost up to $30,000—and members may be pushed into high-cost, more invasive treatments too early in the process. As labor and trust groups across the country look to reduce medical spend and find ways to save, adding fertility benefits can make a difference—both for your trust and your members’ own wallets 

Unlike other fertility vendors, Maven does not profit from sending members to expensive fertility treatments. Instead, we work towards the same goal as your union and your members: helping members find the shortest, most effective path to bringing home a healthy baby. We help members to address all the factors that may contribute to fertility challenges, helping 30% avoid fertility treatment altogether. For those that do seek treatment, our network of highest-quality fertility clinics around the country can maximize your members’ chance of bringing home a baby. 

Access to care

Many union members don’t work standard hours, and most doctors’ offices are often not open when members need them to be. This often results in families trying to get care in off-hours or on weekends, meaning they may have to wait weeks—or even months—to meet with a specialist. 

Fertility and family building benefits like Maven are available 24/7 for your members, regardless of when or where they’re working. Through the Maven app, members can meet with over 30 different types of specialists like reproductive endocrinologists and male fertility specialists. Whether they reach out during their lunch break at the job site or at 5 AM when they get off a night shift, Maven providers are available within the hour to talk through their health concerns. In fact, 60% of provider appointments on Maven take place outside of standard doctor’s office hours. 

Attracting members

Estimates expect there will be 1.5 million new skilled trades jobs by 2029, but not enough workers to fill it. Unions have always led with competitive wages, excellent benefits, and job security, but expanding new member recruitment is always top of mind. Fertility benefits are an essential piece of attracting new union members and strengthening the ties to your union. 

The future of fertility benefits in labor unions

As the demand for fertility benefits and reproductive health support grows, the time is now to invest and expand your offerings. Unions around the country are already partnering with Maven to bring fertility and family building benefits to their members and expand access to critical healthcare resources.

Every member and their spouse has their own unique fertility and family building journey. Maven is uniquely positioned to support every step of that journey with 24/7 access to virtual specialty care, as well as benefits administration and reimbursement management. For more information on how Maven can support your local, listen to the recent America’s Work Force Union podcast, or request a demo to get started.