April 11, 2008, Newsletter Issue #74: In Vitro Fertilization and Health Insurance

Tip of the Week

A percentage of health care insurers have some type of fertility treatment benefit, but most benefits do not extend to include in vitro fertilization (IVF) financing. That leaves many insured persons without any assistance for IVF treatment, which may be the only option for them to achieve conception and offspring.

According to a ruling by the Supreme Court, reproduction is considered a major life activity, which Reproductive Specialists had hoped would encourage insurance companies to include IVF as a covered service, however, since costs associated with IVF can be extensive, and with the increase in the birth of pre-term infants associated with multiple birth following IVF treatment, there is hesitance in the insurer community to move forward with IVF insurance coverage, within the general health insurance plan.

There is, however, an option to purchase insurance specifically for IVF, through some specialty insurance providers, which may offer some assistance in financing IVF.

Prior to initiating any type of infertility treatment, meet with your insurer to determine which services are covered and with what level of copay. Also, check out other financing options and IVF insurance policies with other companies.

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