It was a four-day work week for many, including at our office, so the phones here at Attain IVF Program Customer Care have been extra busy – lots of conversations with couples and singles trying to conceive.
When patients trying to build a family first hear of the cost of fertility treatment, I’ve heard everything from a gasp to total silence. In other words, Sticker Shock. Yes, it is expensive and many times their first reaction is “I can’t afford this.”
But please don’t lose hope! Over the years I’ve learned from you, our patients and our friends that it can be more doable than you may think. I’m continually amazed at people’s ingenuity (not to mention stick-to-it-ness).
In case you haven’t noticed by now, I’m a big believer that knowledge is power. So with that in mind, let me share some of the solutions we’ve seen from hopeful parents-to-be…
- Insurance – The first place to start is with your insurance coverage. Fourteen states mandate some form of fertility treatment coverage and your insurance plan through your employer may offer some form of coverage, as well.
- Financing – There are a number of patient financing options you may want to check out. Our IntegraMed fertility clinics provide financing through Springstone Patient Financing. Check out this math: families who qualify for IVF financing typically finance $15,000 – which works out to just $320/mo for 60 months. Much more manageable! (Of course that’s just an estimate – interest rates are subject to change and your credit rating plays a role, too.)
- Credit card companies – If you have been a loyal customer who’s in good standing, your credit card issuer may offer you a line of credit – and sometimes at a reduced rate.
- Your existing assets and investments – You may be able to use a home equity line of credit, take a loan against your 401K or other investment and insurance policy. If you have a financial counselor, he/she can advise you on your options.
- Family – We often hear about family members loaning money.
- IVF grants – It can take some digging and there aren’t a ton out there, but they do exist such as Fertile Dreams.
- Infertility non-profit organizations such as B.U.M.P.S. Inc. raises money to assist couples in need of fertility treatment who would otherwise be unable to fund IVF.
- Fertility treatment plans – Many clinics offer discounted fees for course-of-treatment programs, such as our Attain IVF programs.
- Military families and families – Some clinics offer a discount to families serving in the military as well as veterans.
- Savings – And of course there’s always the option to start saving now. It means delaying treatment, but with a structured budget, you may have the resources available sooner than you think!
Research the Internet! It’s worth the time and effort and may be the answer you need in helping to find the assistance needed to cover the cost of infertility treatment. Lotus Blossom Consulting offers a free, downloadable book, Financing Your Infertility Treatment that’s filled with ideas and inspiration.
So, Sticker Shock, yes. Impossible? Most likely not. The road to parenthood isn’t always easy… and the more information and tips we can all share with each other, the better your chances of success. Please keep the ideas coming! Your creativity can very well be the inspiration for others like you.
Wishing you a great day and positive thoughts. Sharon
2 Comments
I was reading that for the attain ivf you have to be 38 on last cycle. I will be 39 in 3 months. It said that if you are older there are things that need to be met and qualify me for it. Would you be able to tell me what factors decide if I would possibly qualify?
Hi Kim, this is a great question we hear often so I’ll do my best to answer.
There are acceptance guidelines for the Attain Refund Program and I have attached the link that answers the question, “who qualifies for the Program”:
http://www.integramedfertility.com/inmdweb/content/cons/shared.jsp
Generally, we like to see patients complete the Program by their 38th birthday, if using their own eggs. We also have Clinical acceptance guidelines, which the link lists in detail.
Attain has another Program called the Multi-Cycle Plan that is offered at a limited number of our affiliated Practices. This Program is offered to all patients whose RE recommends IVF using their own eggs (or those not eligible for the Refund Program). Although, the Multi-Cycle Plan does not include a refund option, it does provide a lower cost option while still increasing your chances for success.
I hope I have been able to answer your question. I am here if you need me. Take care and be well.