Cost
Saving Tips for Financing Infertility Treatment
With all of the confusion that comes along with
infertility and infertility treatment, it’s worth your
time to look into ways to somewhat alleviate the financial
burden of financing treatment. A little time, researching
and simply asking can go a long way. Here are a few tips to
get you started.
Set a Budget
Budgeting is probably one of the most important
steps when it comes to financing fertility treatment. Unfortunately
this step is most often overlooked. The desperation to conceive
makes any price seem reasonable. Unfortunately this type of
financial planning (or lack thereof) results in unnecessary
financial strains. Decide first how you will finance treatment.
Afterwards, determine how much you can afford to spend, then
look for options that will fall into and preferably below
your target budget.
Drug Company Patient Assistance Programs
Most drug companies offer patient assistance
programs for patients and fertility drug companies are no
different. Some programs are strictly need based and can offer
significant discounts and in some cases even free meds. Some
may be available just by asking. In either case, it’s
worth looking into and speaking with a professional who can
offer alternative suggestions if you do not qualify for a
specific program offered by the company directly. Remember
be patient, polite and persistent.
Reputable Online Pharmacies
A lot of patients find financial relief in going
with reputable online pharmacies or discount pharmacies such
as www.ivfmeds.com
or The Apothecary shops. Browse infertility forums and chat
rooms to seek suggestions from patients who have used them.
Be sure to ask your Reproductive Endocrinologist for suggestions
also and make sure they will accept meds from the place you’ve
chosen to purchase from.
Shared Risk Programs
If possible, see if your physician participates
in a shared risk program such as Integramed. Although programs
vary, this is one way to get more bang for your buck. In most
instances these programs will offer significant discounts
if cycles are not successful. The slight downside is that
often you have to commit to multiple cycles up front but are
worth it if you end of having to undergo more than one cycle.
Look into one that best suits your needs and capabilities.
Negotiate Treatment Cost with Your RE
If you are a pay out of pocket patient, it doesn’t
hurt to ask your RE if they can discount the treatment costs
at all to assist you. Some may only offer a $500 discount
but its $500 that you can use for something else and that
you wouldn’t have saved had you not asked. If your RE
is not willing to budge and you have the time and energy,
it may be worth it to find someone who is willing to work
with you.
Take Advantage of Tax Deductions
Finally, if you’re going to cough up $15,000
for infertility treatments such as IVF,
then be sure to take advantage of the tax deduction. The deduction
is for fertility enhancement procedures and includes reversal
procedures also. Check out the IRS website for more information.
http://www.irs.gov/publications/p502/ar02.html#d0e1201
Financing infertility is a cause of concern
for most and you can’t put a price tag on bringing a
healthy baby home. However, if you play your cards right and
take advantage of available resources, you could use the savings
to start a college fund for your new bundle of joy.
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