By far, one of the most expensive medications used in IVF is Gonal-F. Cost for the drug is already very high, but when used in conjunction with other medications taken over the course of In-Vitro Fertilization, the total amount can be shocking. For some couples dealing with infertility, paying this is simply impossible—making their dream of parenthood just that. In fact, when combining all the drugs required for just one IVF cycle, including Gonal-F, cost for IVF medications can easily exceed $5,000, according to the National Infertility Association (The Costs of Infertility Treatment, 2006).
Don’t despair because of how much drugs like Gonal-F cost, if you are struggling to expand your family. There are many viable options available to help cope with the expense, if you know the right questions to ask:
Will my insurance cover my Gonal-F cost and other IVF expenses?
You should start by investigating whether your state requires insurance coverage for In-Vitro Fertilization. The best way to keep the costs of your IVF medications manageable, after all, is to have someone else pay for them. In most states, this is not the case; however, you could be living in one of the 15 states who are currently required under the law to provide coverage for infertility treatments or a limited amount of IVF cycles.
You may need to get creative if you live in a state without mandatory insurance benefits for In-Vitro Fertilization. Start by using Ivfmeds.org to reduce your Gonal-F cost as much as possible. Our tool finds the best prices available by searching through a multitude of quality pharmacies.
Where can I find discounted IVF medication?
You need to shop around just as you would for any other kind of good or service for the best deal. The price of IVF drugs vary greatly depending on the distributor. You could ask your IVF coordinator to help find the best prices on fertility medication, but in the end, take matters into your own hands and be your own best advocate. Try local and mail-order pharmacies, but if you want to cut out the middle man, our tool allows you to search through a vast selection of pharmacies, bringing you the best deals on IVF medication.
Can my IVF clinic help me reduce my Gonal-F cost?
One way to save money is by taking advantage of the medication samples that drug companies provide to the fertility clinics. The only drawback is that some clinics may not have the exact medications, varying ingredients, or the right amount to meet your needs. In order to reduce your overall IVF cost through samples, ask and find out what is offered by your clinic.
Some fertility clinics also have donated medication, which are generously provided by women who have previously gone through IVF and have IVF medications left over. Even if they do provide you with donated IVF medications, however, you will more than likely still need to purchase the majority yourself.
Are there grants or other programs that can help me pay for the Gonal-F cost?
These days, there are over a dozen non-profits that offer grants for IVF cycles. Unfortunately, most of them do not cover the cost of the IVF medications. And, as with most giveaways, your chance of receiving a grant is low due to the number of people applying for them.
It is recommended that you apply to as many grants as you are eligible, in order to maximize your chances of winning; however, in conjunction with applying, you should have a backup plan. One surefire way of reaching your goals is to purchase IVF medications yourself. Though expensive, this can be accomplished by boosting your monthly savings through a series of small changes. A few dollars saved here and there can quickly add up to something significant, and in choosing to purchase discounted IVF medications, you can reach your goals sooner than you think.
IVF Meds provides a large selection of specialty pharmacies to choose from, giving IVF patients the very best service, coupled with the lowest costing medications. To start saving money on your Gonal-F cost, click here.
References
The Costs of Infertility Treatment. (2006, Summer ). Retrieved from resolve: The National Infertility Association : http://www.resolve.org/family-building-options/making-treatment-affordable/the-costs-of-infertility-treatment.html
