“How much does IVF cost with insurance” is a question many hopeful parents ask themselves after seeing the considerable prices that accompany it. Without insurance, the cost for infertility treatments can vary widely among programs, but according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the average In Vitro Fertilization cycle cost can be over $12,000. This is not including the cost of IVF medication, which can range in between $3,000 to $5,000.
Because the procedure and its necessary medications are so expensive, it is important to assess your total costs by asking representatives of each program for a copy of their schedule. Putting that aside, what can be done to reduce these very expensive costs and make IVF more affordable? Unfortunately, there aren’t many ways to decrease costs because the procedure requires state-of-the-art technology and attentive patient care, but through insurance it may be possible.
How Much Does IVF Cost With Insurance: Do You Qualify?
A limited number of states mandate some forms of infertility treatment coverage (especially assisted reproductive technologies) while most of the others do not. Today, only 15 states offer IVF treatment, including: Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, Texas and West Virginia. Most insurance companies in these states have hundreds of plans, each with different benefits, so patients should investigate their coverage closely before making a decision. For example, some insurance plans may only provide coverage for the diagnostic phase of infertility treatment, and others the infertility treatment services. Many fertility centers will investigate insurance benefits for you through a finance counselor. They can help you understand what’s covered and how you can maximize any benefits you have.
Even if your state does offer insurance coverage, it is likely they will be limited and you may need help covering in-vitro fertilization costs. There are many options available to you, like taking out a home equity loan, using existing lines of credit, borrowing from a retirement or investment account, or getting a patient financing loan.
How Much Does IVF Cost With Insurance: Without Insurance
If you are not lucky enough to live in an IVF friendly state, however, you need to get smart about your expenses and start asking the right questions. Find out which costs are included in the treatment plan and which are optional (like how many ultrasounds are absolutely necessary); ask for a written estimate of costs, including medications or ancillary services not performed by a doctor; and ask whether the balance must be prepaid upfront, or if they can be paid in installments. Most clinics should have no problem answering these questions, and many will even provide a financial counselor to help you along the way.
Related: cost, insurance, ivf
