IVF and Insurance Coverage

Today I received my second prescription order via Fed Ex. The first was $1200, and this one was $1500. [I share the financial figures only to help readers more fully understand the process.] Our insurance does not cover fertility treatments--not even the medication. And we are not the exception to the rule. Most insurance companies do not pay for any fertility related expenses. They cover the diagnosis, but not the treatment. It's a shame. BCBS covers impotence treatments and Viagra, but they do not provide infertility coverage. It seems that the company values the function of the male sex organ, but does not care equally about the female reproductive organs. Candid, but true.

There are several states that have mandated fertility coverage by insurance companies. One of them is Illinois, which is just across the river. Wade and I have seriously considered a change of residence and/or employment in order to acquire the insurance benefits. In Illinois, three cycles of IVF are covered automatically. For us, that would translate into over $45,000. That's a huge amount of money!

Most European countries cover all costs related to infertility and advanced reproductive technologies. Many of them also provide several months of paid maternity and paternity leave! Other nations appear to understand the value of pregnancy and childbirth more than the U.S. Our country is so advanced in so many ways, but so primitive in others. It's astounding.

For couples who struggle with infertility in the U.S., treatment is considered a luxury. Every expense is out-of-pocket. When I began using fertility medication, I learned (the hard way) that various pharmacies charge different amounts for the same medication. As a result, I looked high and low for the best prices. During my 1st IVF cycle, I ordered from New York and London, which offered the lowest cost and reasonable shipping.

Thankfully, St. Louis also has one of the top pharmacies in the country (IVP Care), which is helpful when the doctor calls with a last minute orders and prescriptions that must be filled immediately. For this round of IVF, I actually used IVP Care for all of my meds, because they offer a substantial discount for 2nd and 3rd-time IVF patients. I think I saved about 15% overall...a sizeable amount of pocket change.

Anyway, I hope this information helps with gaining a better understanding of the financial challenges facing couples with infertility. I recognize that I am very fortunate to have a healthy child and this opportunity to undergo a 2nd IVF, and I hope that individuals and companies in the U.S. begin to place a higher value on the reproductive health of our nation. Fertility problems are difficult enough without the financial burden of treatment costs.

Here's to counting our blessings and improving our way of life. May God bess you and yours! Ramona