# 2020-102 Medical and Dental Care, In vitro fertilization

Case summary

F&R Date: 2021-02-16

The grievor acknowledged that, in accordance with the Spectrum of care (SoC) provisions of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), they did not have the right to reimbursement for medication associated with their in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. Nonetheless, they stressed that the CAF SoC offers members a complete spectrum of health care comparable to that guaranteed to all Canadian citizens under the Canada Health Act. The grievor stated that [Translation] “one of the key principles is that the service be covered by at least one province” and that the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec provides reimbursement for medication associated with IVF treatments.

As redress, the grievor asked for total reimbursement of the medication costs associated with their IVF treatment as well as an amendment of the CAF SoC to include such reimbursement in its coverage.

The Initial Authority could not make a decision within the timeframe. Nonetheless, the Director of Medical Policy explained that funding includes an IVF cycle once in a woman's life. They stated that the CAF SoC is similar to standards in Ontario and that medication associated with IVF is not covered.

The Committee found that the grievor was treated in accordance with applicable policies. Essentially, the Committee concluded that coverage for fertility treatments under CAF SoC was reasonable, including the non-funding of associated medications, as it compares well with the general coverage offered across Canada. For this reason, the Committee decided not to recommend that the CAF SoC be amended to include certain medications associated with IVF treatment.

The Committee recommended the Final Authority not grant the grievor redress.

FA decision summary

The Chief of the Defence Staff agreed with the Committee's findings and recommendation not to afford the grievor redress.