Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez disclosed on social media that she has been saving to freeze her eggs, drawing attention to the financial burden of the procedure. The 36-year-old Democratic representative from New York’s 14th district noted that the decision required considerable time to consider and plan financially, stating her insurance provides no coverage for the elective procedure.
Elective egg freezing has grown more common as women increasingly delay motherhood to pursue education and career opportunities. A single cycle in the United States typically costs between $10,000 and $20,000, according to Dr. Stephanie Kuku, a former gynecologist and senior adviser to the World Health Organization. However, total expenses can escalate substantially when multiple cycles are necessary, along with additional charges for storage and implantation procedures. By comparison, France covers elective egg freezing through its public health insurance system.
The financial burden remains a significant barrier for many women, particularly those without employer-sponsored fertility benefits. According to FertilityIQ data, a 38-year-old woman in New York City requiring three cycles could face total costs reaching $47,000. Dr. Marcelle Cedars, director of the University of California, San Francisco’s Center for Reproductive Health, notes that women under 35 should ideally freeze at least 20 eggs, with older women typically requiring higher numbers. Beyond the initial procedure, women must also account for ongoing storage fees, which can reach $5,500 for five years in New York City.
Insurance coverage remains limited, though employer-provided benefits have expanded. Around 22% of employers with 500 or more workers offered coverage for elective egg freezing in 2025, compared with 5% in 2015. Among companies with over 5,000 employees, 40% provided the benefit last year versus 8% a decade earlier. However, maximum lifetime benefits typically cap at around $20,000. The Affordable Care Act marketplace does not mandate coverage for elective egg freezing, and no states cover it through Medicaid. Additionally, employer-paid benefits for elective egg freezing count as taxable income, potentially creating substantial tax obligations for recipients.
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