US fertility benefits provider to offer nationwide access to menopause care

Fertility benefits management company Progyny will expand its reproductive health network to include specialised menopause providers.

The company has partnered with Gennev and Midi Health, two virtual care providers offering clinical programmes and interdisciplinary care, in a bid to better support female workers in the US.

Progyny’s employer clients who elect to include this service of perimenopause and menopause care will be able to provide timely intervention for their workforce at critical stages of health transition.

“Menopause symptoms have gone widely untreated and unrecognised, impacting the retention and well-being of women during critical stages of growth in their careers,” said Dr Janet Choi, chief medical officer at Progyny.

“We’re delighted to collaborate with Gennev and Midi Health to expand access to comprehensive menopause support and further demonstrate our commitment to equitable care that fills essential gaps across the reproductive health spectrum.”

Research shows menopause care is often hard to find in the US, with fewer than one in five OB-GYNs receiving formal training in menopause medicine, according to a Johns Hopkins-led study.

A 2021 Mayo Clinic study estimates the impact on lost productivity and direct medical costs to be US$26.6bn annually in the US alone.

By integrating menopause support into its reproductive health offerings, Progyny hopes to help employees to proactively manage the impacts of menopause to their health and wellbeing.

“Overlooking menopause exacts a heavy toll on women’s overall wellbeing — physically, emotionally, and financially. Not only is it costing women, but it’s also costing employers in added health expenses, attrition, and absenteeism,” said Jill Angelo, founder and CEO at Gennev.

“Progyny is fuelling a true paradigm shift in coverage that we’re thrilled to be a part of, together envisioning a future where menopause care is standard in taking a holistic approach to employee health.”

Joanna Strober, founder and CEO at Midi Health, said: “Right now, millions of women are suffering in silence.

“In addition to careers and family, they’re managing menopause symptoms that go far beyond hot flashes. Our goal is to offer women in midlife the personalized support they need to restore their confidence and help them bring their best selves to work.”

Progyny members who are covered for this benefit will gain access to personalised services that incorporate factors such as nutrition, sleep, mental health, and hormonal health support.

The company’s menopause benefit solution will be integrated with the health plans of its employer clients and offered to clients for a nominal fee.