By far, one of the most expensive medications used in IVF is Follitropin Alfa. Cost for the drug is already extremely 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 Follitropin Alfa, cost for IVF medications can exceed $5,000, according to the National Infertility Association (The Costs of Infertility Treatment, 2006).
Don’t despair because of how much drugs like Follitropin Alfa cost. If you are struggling to expand your family, there are many viable options available out there to help cope with the expense, if you know the right questions to ask:
What is the first step to save money for In-Vitro Fertilization?
You should start by investigating whether your state requires insurance coverage for IVF. The best way to keep the costs of your 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 and the necessary medications.
If you live in a state without mandatory insurance benefits for IVF, you may need to get creative. Start by using Ivfmeds.org to reduce your Follitropin Alfa cost as much as possible. This tool finds the best prices available by searching through a multitude of top quality fertility pharmacies.
Where can I get discounted IVF medication?
You need to shop around just as you would for any other kind of good or service for the best deal. After all, the price of IVF drugs vary greatly depending on the distributor. You could ask your doctor 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. You could try local and mail-order pharmacies, but to cut out the middle man, try our search tool. It gathers the all the pricing details for you, allowing you to make a more informed decision on where you buy your IVF medications.
Can my IVF clinic help me reduce my Follitropin Alfa 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, ingredients, or the right amount to meet your needs. In order to reduce your overall IVF cost through samples, find and ask 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 your clinic does provide you with donated IVF medications, however, you will more than likely still need to purchase the majority of them yourself.
Are there grants or other programs that can help me pay for my Follitropin Alfa cost?
These days, there are over a dozen non-profits that offer grants for IVF cycles. 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 high 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 lifestyle 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 Follitropin Alfa 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
