ARLINGTON, Va., Jan. 30, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Willis Towers Watson (NASDAQ:WLTW), a leading global advisory, broking and solutions company, today announced a new, comprehensive Family and Fertility Solution that enables employers to facilitate the path to parenthood for all employees. Featuring benefit services from Ovia Health and Progyny, leaders in family planning and fertility, the solution supports employees, spouses and partners at every stage of planning for a family — from pre-conception and pregnancy to parenting a newborn and returning to work. The solution includes services for employees seeking to become parents through natural conception, artificial reproductive technology, adoption, surrogacy or looking to preserve their fertility.

“Employers are spending more of their health care dollars on maternity and fertility issues,” said Jeff Levin-Scherz, M.D., North American co-leader, Health Management practice at Willis Towers Watson. “However, a significant portion of maternity costs can be prevented by focusing on the health of women before, during and after pregnancy. Further, more couples with fertility issues can become parents. Given the importance of family to employees, many employers view offering family and fertility benefits as key to recruiting, supporting and retaining a diverse and competitive workforce.”

Added Levin-Scherz, “More women consider family and fertility benefits among the top factors when selecting an employer or staying with a job. They’re looking for and expect complete support that’s personalized and flexible according to their needs. And, we know from our own research that two-thirds of employers that offer these benefits extend them to same-sex couples.”

The Willis Towers Watson Family and Fertility Solution combines seamlessly integrated digital tools and personalized high-touch support services from Ovia Health and Progyny. Ovia Health offers services that start with guidance and coaching for conceiving naturally and continue with pregnancy, postpartum and return-to-work support. Progyny offers a comprehensive fertility benefit that gives access to the latest artificial reproductive technology, fertility preservation, adoption and surrogacy counseling and reimbursement administration, and emotional and clinical guidance from a dedicated patient care advocate.

According to the recently released Willis Towers Watson 2017 Maternity, Family and Fertility Survey, the percentage of employers offering fertility benefits to employees is expected to grow from 55% in 2017 to 66% by 2019. In addition, employers are looking for innovative solutions to personalize fertility benefits: 21% offer an app-based mobile phone fertility or maternity program, with 16% offering it through the health plan and 5% through other vendors.

“The Willis Towers Watson Family and Fertility Solution is the first benefit program that lets employers provide all employees with full spectrum support to plan and start or expand a family, and helps new parents return to work faster, healthier and happier,” said Lindsey Conon, a senior health care consultant at Willis Towers Watson.

About the survey

The Willis Towers Watson 2017 Maternity, Family and Fertility Survey was completed by 497 U.S. employers with at least 100 employees in October 2017. Respondents collectively employ 7 million employees and operate in all major industry sectors.

About Ovia Health and Progyny

Ovia Health supports women as they navigate their most important health and life decisions. Since launching in 2012, Ovia Health has helped over 8 million women on their journey to parenthood. Ovia Health partners with leading employers to provide maternity and family benefits that prevent healthcare costs, create family-friendly workplaces, and help women return-to-work. Learn more at oviahealth.com

Progyny is a leading fertility benefits management company that combines service, science, technology and data to provide comprehensive value based fertility solutions for self-insured employers. Progyny’s benefit plans are designed to improve outcomes, shorten time to pregnancy and reduce total fertility-related costs. Learn more at progyny.com.

About Willis Towers Watson

Willis Towers Watson (NASDAQ:WLTW) is a leading global advisory, broking and solutions company that helps clients around the world turn risk into a path for growth. With roots dating to 1828, Willis Towers Watson has more than 40,000 employees serving more than 140 countries. We design and deliver solutions that manage risk, optimize benefits, cultivate talent and expand the power of capital to protect and strengthen institutions and individuals. Our unique perspective allows us to see the critical intersections between talent, assets and ideas — the dynamic formula that drives business performance. Together, we unlock potential. Learn more at willistowerswatson.com.

Media contact

Rob Wyse: +1 212 920 1470
rob@capital-content.com

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