Contains whereas clauses.

Adds GS 58-3-241 (fertility and infertility coverage) requiring a health benefit plan that provides any pregnancy-related benefit to provide coverage for any covered individual diagnosed with infertility that includes fertility diagnostic care and fertility treatment performed by any licensed healthcare provider acting within the scope of practice of the provider's license, including the five services described. Defines six terms. Prevents such coverage from including the six described exclusions, limitations on coverage, waiting period, or limitations. Clarifies that no health benefit plan is required to provide coverage for any nonmedical costs relating to the procurement of gametes, donor embryos, or surrogacy services required to be covered by the statute. Applies to insurance contracts issued, renewed, or amended on or after October 1, 2027.

Applies GS 58-3-21 to the State Health Plan starting the next plan year following October 1, 2027.

Part II.

Directs the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Health Benefits (DHB) to seek approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to implement Medicaid coverage for the described fertility care. Appropriates $45 million in recurring funds and associated receipts from the General Fund to DHB beginning with 2026-27 to be used to implement the new coverage.  Effective July 1, 2026.

Part III.

Requires the NC State Medical Board (new GS 90-5.5), the NC Nursing Board (GS 90-171.42), and the joint subcommittee of the NC Medical Board and Nursing Board created to administer the practice of midwifery, to provide licensees an education training module to encourage licensees to speak and have effective discussions with their patients and families in an appropriate manner on prevention and elimination of discrimination based on sexual orientation and expression in medical services, improving access to services for LGBTQ individuals, and options for LGBTQ family planning.  Authorizes the above boards to adopt rules to implement the above. Effective October 1, 2026.

Part IV.

Appropriates $1 million in recurring funds from the General Fund to DHHS for 2026-27 to fund statewide operation and maintenance of a fertility care resource hub, as specified. Effective July 1, 2026.

Appropriates $70,000 from the General Fund to DHHS’s Division of Central Management and Support, Office of Health Equity (the Office) for 2026-27 to conduct a study on the affordability, accessibility, and practicality of the resources, benefits, and services available to individuals in underrepresented groups experiencing disparities in accessing fertility care when seeking to expand their families, including individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender nonconforming, queer, or question their sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, including the matters described. Requires the Office to develop recommendations for improving access to resources, benefits and services after the conclusion of the study. Authorizes the Office to contract with a third-party to conduct the study. Provides for MOU’s. Directs the Office to submit its findings and recommendations, including any recommended legislative changes to the specified NCGA division and committee by April 1, 2028.

Effective July 1, 2026.

Part V.

Enacts Article 1Q, “Assisted Reproductive Technology and Contraceptive Rights,” to GS Chapter 90. Defines five terms. Declares the General Assembly’s intent to clearly and unambiguously acknowledge the right of an individual to perform, and the right of an individual to receive or use, assisted reproductive technology, contraceptives, or both in the State. To that end, and notwithstanding any other provision of law, specifies that an individual has a right to engage in activities associated with assisted reproductive technology and contraception. Clarifies that the laws of this State do not prohibit an activity associated with assisted reproductive technology or contraception. Directs that nothing the new Article 1Q should be construed to prohibit the enforcement of health and safety laws related to the operation of health care facilities or the provision of health care services by health care providers.

Part VI.

Effective when it becomes law, except as otherwise provided.