One of the most expensive medications used in IVF is Lupron. Cost for the drug is already very expensive, but when used in conjunction with other necessary medications taken in IVF, the total can be staggering. For some couples dealing with infertility, paying this is simply not a viable possibility—making their dream of parenthood just that. When combining all the drugs required for just one IVF cycle, including Lupron, cost is likely to exceed $5,000, according to the National Infertility Association (The Costs of Infertility Treatment, 2006).
If you are struggling to expand your family, don’t despair because of how much drugs like Lupron cost. There are many practical options available to help cope with the expense, if you know the right questions to ask:
Will my insurance cover my IVF procedure?
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 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 that are currently required under the law to provide coverage for infertility treatments or for a limited amount of IVF cycles.
You may need to get creative if you live in a state without mandatory insurance benefits for IVF. You could start by using Ivfmeds.org to reduce your Lupron cost as much as possible. Our 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. You could ask your doctor or IVF coordinator to help you locate the best prices on fertility medication, but in the end, it’s best take matters into your own hands and be your own best advocate. Try mail-order and local pharmacies, but if you want to cut out the middle man and reach your objectives faster, our search tool can gather a comprehensive pricing list of the drugs you need. This allows you to make a better, more informed decision on where you purchase your IVF drugs.
Can my IVF clinic help me reduce my Lupron cost?
One way to save money is by taking advantage of the medication samples that drug companies provide to fertility clinics. The only problem is that some clinics may not have the exact medications, ingredients, or quantity to meet your needs. In order to reduce your overall IVF cost through samples, ask your medical physician or IVF coordinator what is offered by your clinic.
Some fertility clinics also have donated medication programs, which are generously provided by women who have previously gone through IVF and have IVF medications left over. And even if your clinic does provide you with donated IVF medications, you will still likely have to purchase the remainder yourself.
Are there grants or other programs that can help me pay for my IVF medications?
These days, there are over a dozen non-profit organizations that offer grants for IVF cycles. Unfortunately, most of them do not cover the entire cost of your procedure or the required 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 sign up for 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 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 Lupron 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
