As all too many couples know, the process of in vitro fertilization (IVF) carries many frustrations along with it. The journey leading up to and during the process can take an emotional, physical, and financial toll. By the time you reach IVF, you’ve likely been on this journey to conceive for years. After all that you’ve already faced, you now must take on a new challenge: how to pay for IVF.
Some states have mandated insurance coverage for fertility treatments, but most still do not, Louisiana being among them. Some steps are being taken to address the financial burden that consumes so many couples undergoing infertility treatments. However, for most, it is still a struggle, and it often means that the scope of treatment options is limited.
Financial resources you can use to pay for IVF
Currently, there are a few possible solutions available in addition to insurance which may help alleviate the financial strain, but determining which is right for you and your particular situation can still be difficult. Of the financial resources available, here are four that should be considered:
- Existing Assets – If you are a homeowner, a home equity loan could be among your finance options. Loans against other assets such as a 401K may be possibilities as well. However, these types of loans should be fully researched and all other alternatives investigated before being utilized. A financial advisor can help you understand if these options are right for you.
- Fertility Financing – Several companies now offer fertility financing. These plans will finance your doctor’s services, as well as any medications you may need and allow you to make monthly payments. Learn more about the fertility financing offered at Fertility Answers.
- Grants – Some foundations offer grants for couples attempting to build a family through fertility treatments. Among those who do are The Tinina Q. Cade Foundation, Fertile Dreams, Pay It Forward Fertility Foundation, and The International Council on Infertility Information Dissemination (ICIID). Some restrictions will apply to applicants for each of these. Fertility Answers offers its own IVF grant program called the Gift of Hope. This program chooses one applicant a year to receive an IVF cycle based upon several factors, including income and need.
- Medication Discounts – Many pharmaceutical companies offer medication discounts on the expensive medicines required for IVF.
Fertility Answers is passionate about helping our patients build the families they so greatly desire. We understand that IVF is a difficult and expensive process, and we are happy to help with solutions to alleviate some of the financial burden.
