Infertility Cost Reality Check - How Much Will it Really Cost?

Faced with the realities of infertility cost, many- New Jersey
couples react emotionally and impulsively. "I don't- New York
care! It doesn't matter! I'll pay anything for a baby!"- Ohio
That's a perfectly normal expected response.- Rhode Island
Friends, acquaintances, and family members may- Texas
have differing opinions and different core values, but- West Virginia
that does not matter. Some people who are shockedHow Much Will It Cost?
at the cost of infertility treatment think nothing ofKnowing the insurance coverage and limits in your
spending more than that amount for a new Lexus orinsurance plans, you can subtract expected coverage
remodeling their kitchen. So don't let their opinionsfrom the cost estimates in this article.
bother you.Because infertility issues vary greatly from one
The key to dealing successfully with any unexpectedcouple to the next, there is no simple answer to the
cost is planning. Approaching any challenge with yourquestion of cost. Further, costs differ greatly
eyes open and a plan for handling it can relieve yourdepending on where you live. And, the costs will
stress, greatly improve your disposition, and builddepend on how long it takes to become pregnant, as
your confidence. Successful athletes, military leaders,additional expenses are incurred for each cycle of
and business tycoons exude a can-do commitmenttreatment. With those differences in mind, here are
to winning. And you can too -- beat the odds tosome broad guidelines for typical costs:
have the babies you want and also know you can- New patient workup - $2,000 - one time cost
meet your financial responsibilities.- Clomid IUI - intra-uterine insemination - $800 to
Infertility Insurance Limits$1,200 per cycle
Because infertility is a medical condition, we- note: 8% success rate; implies 6 to 12 cycles
reasonably expect health insurance policies to coverneeded
most of the cost. But that is an erroneous- FSH IUI - $1,800 to $2,200 - per cycle
assumption. Many health plans will pay for fertility- IVF cycle - $8,000 to $20,000 per cycle - note:
testing for both the man and the woman whenneeded in about 15% of cases
ordered by a physician after 12 months of trying to- note: three cycles would be typical to establish
become pregnant without success. But follow-uppregnancy
treatment for infertility, including expensiveConfusing? Yes, it certainly is. But to simplify your
medications, are often excluded from coverage orplanning, assume infertility treatment will cost $12,000
are severely limited. To learn the extent and limits ofto $20,000 if no IVF is needed. But if IVF is required,
your insurance coverage, be sure to review your planassume three cycles for a total of $35,000 additional
with your employer's HR department.cost would be incurred.
In the US, fifteen states have laws mandatingWhen you have selected an infertility doctor or clinic
coverage of costs for some common infertilityto work with, have an open and frank discussion of
treatments. But the laws vary greatly between thethe costs expected for the treatment plan they
states and do not apply to all insurance plans. Be surerecommend. They should be able to provide a cost
to carefully review the specifics of infertilityestimate and may offer optional shared risk
coverage mandates if you live in one of these states:programs that would reimburse a majority of costs if
- Arkansastreatment is unsuccessful.
- CaliforniaWith the cost of treatment established, you can
- Connecticutconsider how to pay the costs. Financing is
- Hawaiisometimes available through the clinics, your
- Illinoisflexible-spending accounts can be tapped and money
- Louisianacan be taken from 401-K accounts if necessary.
- MarylandMany couples have equity in their homes that can be
- Massachusettsborrowed. And don't forget prospective grandparents
- Montanaas a source for loans to get your family started.