Merck says it reaches deal with Trump to cut some IVF drug prices

(Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to announce a policy proposal to make in vitro fertilization more accessible, the New York Times reported on Thursday, citing several administration officials. In February, Trump signed an executive order directing the government to expand access to IVF and reduce the costs of the popular fertility treatment. Trump is expected to make the announcement from the Oval Office on Thursday afternoon, the newspaper said. The White House will issue guidance on what it is calling an employer benefit option to encourage employers to offer IVF and broader infertility coverage directly to workers, NYT reported, citing one White House official familiar with the matter. IVF involves combining eggs and sperm in a laboratory dish to create an embryo for couples having difficulty conceiving. Costs for IVF can range from $12,000 to $25,000 per cycle and multiple cycles may be needed to get pregnant. By offering infertility coverage separately from the major medical insurance package, the White House expected more small businesses to be able to provide the benefit, the report said, citing the official. The White House will not be providing any subsidies for employers that offer the coverage, and there will be no mandate that they participate, NYT added. Specific instructions for employers will be posted on the Labor Department's website immediately after the announcement, the report said. (Reporting by Sriparna Roy in Bengaluru; Editing by Alan Barona)

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