One of the most expensive medications used in IVF is FSH. Cost for this drug is already high, but when used in conjunction with other medications taken over the course of an In-Vitro Fertilization, the total amount can be staggering. For some couples dealing with infertility, paying this is simply impossible—making their dream of parenthood just that. When combining all the drugs required for just one IVF cycle, including FSH, 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 FSH 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:
What is the first step I should take to pay for my IVF medications?
You should start by investigating whether your state requires insurance coverage for medications used in In-Vitro Fertilization. After all, the best way to keep the costs of your IVF medications manageable 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 In-Vitro Fertilization treatments, you may need to get creative. Start by using Ivfmeds.org to reduce your FSH cost as much as possible. This tool finds the best prices available by searching through a multitude of quality pharmacies.
Where can I get affordable 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 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. 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 FSH 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, ask and find out what is offered by your clinic.
Some fertility clinics also have donated medications, 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 bulk of them yourself.
Are there other programs, like grants, that can help me pay for my FSH 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 chances of receiving one somewhat 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 it is 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 FSH 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
