Can I afford fertility treatment?

Fertility treatment can be a costly undertaking. Depending on the recommended treatment, it is important to thoroughly understand your medical benefits before embarking on the fertility treatment journey. The following tips can help couples make a decision related to fertility care:

·        Be your own advocate. Review your policy and understand what will be paid

       and what will not be paid.

·        Determine what policies, procedures, referrals or authorizations are necessary for office visits, blood work or procedures.

·        Don’t accept a verbal interpretation of coverage over the phone. Request a pre-written determination of your exact coverage and any eligibility requirements that must be met.

·        Establish a contact person who will be your representative at the insurance company.

·        Keep notes related to your conversations with your representative.

·        Determine if there is coverage for a lifetime maximum dollar amount or a limited number of inseminations or IVF cycles.

Taking these measures can help reduce some of the stress related to fertility treatment as well as avoid unexpected financial burdens once treatment is underway.