One of the great injustices of our time is the fact that most health care plans don’t cover infertility treatments. This makes it even harder for couples who can’t conceive on their own to have a family.
5 Key Ways to Get IVF Coverage
If you’re trying to have a family but don’t have millions to pay for everything out-of-pocket, here are 5 ways you can seek coverage.
1. Ask For Benefits
If you’re fortunate enough to work for a company that offers benefits, get to know your HR department. They will be the most helpful when it comes to understanding your current employer’s benefits package.
If the current company plan doesn’t cover IVF, don’t be afraid to speak up. After all, your employer may not even realize the need for IVF coverage among its workers. Let them know there is a need, and get others to talk about it as well.
Chances are, other workers are also struggling with infertility but don’t know how to talk about the topic. Help those around you find their voice and speak up when it comes to infertility.
There are usually different options available to companies regarding health care plans. Urge your employer to choose a policy that offers infertility coverage.
2. Seek New Employment
Unfortunately, not all companies provide the same benefits. If your current employer does not provide benefits or is refusing to listen to your needs, it may be in your favor to find employment elsewhere.
Finding an employer who can help cover IVF costs can make all the difference. Many different types of businesses offer great benefits, from retail to technology to government jobs. No matter what your skillset is, you should be able to find a job that provides full benefits.
Finding a new job may feel overwhelming, but there are many options out there. If you take some time to look, you can find a good fit: a job that you love and one that supports you in your journey to becoming a parent.
3. Ask Your Insurance for Coverage
Did you know you can write to your insurance provider and ask for additional coverage? Many assume that insurance policies are set in stone, but if you make a request for additional benefits, you can sometimes get added coverage.
A request for additional coverage is called an Exemption of Benefits or Predetermination of Coverage. In this request, you’ll need to tell your personal story and why you deserve coverage. Include statistics, facts, and even a letter from your doctor.
For example, did you know that if IVF is covered, fewer eggs are transferred during the IVF procedure? When IVF is covered, parents feel less pressure to use all the eggs in one procedure. And because fewer eggs are transferred, the pregnancy will likely be a singleton.
It’s much less risky and less expensive for insurance companies when there’s only one baby instead of three.
We call that a win-win.
The goal is to show your provider that IVF coverage is beneficial to everyone involved.
4. Non-Group Insurance
Non-group insurance — or individual plans — often have high monthly premiums, but it still ends up being significantly less than paying for IVF. These are plans that are not offered through an employer which you must sign up for on your own.
All states have individual plans available. You’ll need to find out when the enrollment time is and sign up in advance. You can also buy a plan if there’s been a significant change in your life such as getting married.
Contact your state insurance department if you need help finding a non-group insurance plan. Just triple-check that any plan you sign up for covers all of your infertility needs.
5. Clinical Trials
While not always ideal or available, some people have found clinical trials to be helpful during their fertility journey.
The key to clinical trials is to know precisely what you’re signing up for. Ask a lot of questions and do some research before you jump into a clinical trial.
Clinical trials can test anything from new medications to new procedures, and they will cover all costs associated with the trial. Let your fertility clinic know you’re interested so they can contact you when a clinical trial become available.
Why Knowledge is Power When it Comes to Dealing with Infertility
We get it. Infertility brings many challenges. But being informed can help you make the best decisions for your family. No parent should have to give up their right to have a family because of financial strains.
No matter what path you take, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Call Elevate Egg Donors and Surrogates at 323-933-8918 today.
