New York City Mayor Eric Adams on Monday said the city will start providing funds to some non-union city employees to help them start or expand their families.
The city's Management Benefits Fund will now provide benefits to approximately 27,000 non-union employees and retirees, according to a press release. The program can pay up to $10,000 in reimbursement for costs associated with adoption, surrogacy, and egg or sperm donation.
This marks the first time a major U.S. city has provided these benefits to city employees and is similar to benefits increasingly being provided by private-sector companies and universities, the press release said.
“To be the greatest city in the world, you have to attract and retain the greatest talent in the world, and that means making New York City the best city in the nation to build and raise a family,” said Adams.
The current health benefit program provides coverage for fertility treatments, including up to three cycles of in-vitro fertilization, for employees and their covered beneficiaries, services such as surrogacy and sperm/egg donation involving individuals not covered by an employee’s health insurance benefits are not included, and there is no benefit to defray the costs of adopting a child.
"This expanded benefit strengthens our commitment to our employees, helps us retain and attract top talent, and reflects our dedication to inclusivity," said First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer. "We are building a city that prioritizes families and setting new standards for support and inclusivity in the workplace.”
