What is the new 2026 Department of Defense Fertility Preservation benefit?

Starting September 14, 2026, the Department of Defense is launching a three-year pilot program that reimburses eligible service members for sperm and egg freezing, with a stipend of up to $500 a year for sperm retrieval and preservation. It was mandated by the FY2025 National Defense Authorization Act and applies to both military treatment facilities and civilian fertility providers, including clinics outside the TRICARE network.