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If you're considering IVF, understanding which insurance companies cover it can be a huge relief. Many insurance companies now offer IVF coverage, but it's essential to know which ones and what they cover.
Some insurance companies that cover IVF include Aetna, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare. These companies often cover IVF treatments, but the specifics of coverage can vary greatly.
Aetna, for example, covers IVF up to $20,000 per cycle, while Cigna covers up to $25,000. UnitedHealthcare also offers coverage for IVF, but the amount covered can depend on the individual's plan.
It's crucial to review your insurance policy carefully to understand what's covered and what's not.
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Insurance Coverage
Insurance coverage for IVF can be a complex and frustrating process, but being informed will help you navigate it.
Some states, like Connecticut and New York, now mandate fertility coverage from employers, so it's essential to check if your state has a similar law in place.
You deserve accurate and clear answers from your insurance company, so don't feel rushed or like your questions aren't important.
To determine what's covered, start by asking if your insurance policy covers fertility medications, which can cost thousands of dollars. You'll also want to know if you need to use a specific pharmacy.
Many insurance policies require you to start with less invasive treatment options before covering IVF, so ask about the order of procedures you'll need to follow. Your doctor may recommend skipping ahead to IVF, so it's crucial to ask if that's an option.
Some plans place a cap on fertility treatment coverage, such as a lifetime maximum of three IUI cycles and one IVF cycle. Others grant a monetary stipend for fertility care, like a $25,000 lifetime allotment. Always ask your insurer to clarify what this means for you.
Here are some key questions to ask your insurance company:
- How many rounds of IVF am I allowed?
- What specific treatments do you cover?
- What if I make it through all of my allotted coverage?
- Is there an add-on package I can purchase?
Understanding Your Options
You have several options to consider when it comes to fertility treatment. Some insurance policies won't cover anything more than ovulation induction medication, while others will cover a wide range of fertility treatment pathways.
You should get a detailed list of what your insurance policy covers to avoid any surprises down the line. This will also help you plan your fertility journey accordingly.
If your insurance policy doesn't cover IVF, you may want to consider switching to a different plan that includes infertility coverage. However, be aware that some insurance companies require a certain amount of time to pass before you can access these benefits.
It's essential to ask the right questions to understand your options. Here are some key questions to ask your HR department and insurance provider:
- What specific fertility treatments do you cover?
- Is there a particular order for procedures I'll need to follow?
- Can I skip ahead to IVF first if my doctor recommends it?
- Is there another plan I can switch to that does include infertility?
Remember to ask about any restrictions or requirements for using your new fertility benefits if you decide to switch plans.
Paying for Treatment
Paying for treatment can be a daunting task, especially with costs ranging from a few thousand dollars to $180,000+.
Some insurance policies won't cover anything more than ovulation induction medication, while others will cover a wide range of fertility treatment pathways. Make sure to get a detailed list to understand what's included in your policy.
You'll need to consider how you'll pay for treatment, and one option is to use out-of-pocket funds, but be aware that this may not be feasible for many people, especially with costs so high.
Do Deductibles Kick In Before Being Met?
You'll want to ask about the office visits you'll have throughout your fertility journey, as those copays may be applied to your deductible if you have one.
In some cases, you'll need to meet a deductible before fertility coverage kicks in.
You can ask about the specifics of your plan to get a clear understanding of what to expect.
5 Ways to Pay for Treatment
You've got some options to consider when it comes to paying for fertility treatment. One way is to pay out-of-pocket, but be aware that costs can range from a few thousand dollars to $180,000 or more.
If you have some savings set aside, you might be able to dip into that to cover treatment costs. However, for many people, paying out-of-pocket is not feasible.
Insurance is another way to go, but you'll want to ask about any deductibles you'll need to meet before coverage kicks in. This will help you understand how much you'll need to pay upfront.
Some insurance policies will only cover ovulation induction medication, while others will cover a wide range of fertility treatment pathways. Be sure to get a detailed list of what's covered to avoid any surprises.
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Benefits and Plans
Insurance companies that cover IVF often have different levels of fertility benefits. Some employers purchase features like IVF treatment from major insurance providers such as Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, United Healthcare, and Tricare.
Fertility insurance benefits can be categorized into four levels: no infertility benefit, diagnostic testing only, diagnostic testing and limited treatment, and all treatments are covered. The most generous policy covers IVF treatment and injectable medications, but may have a limit on the amount covered or the number of IVF attempts allowed.
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Here are some fertility benefit administrators that SGF accepts: Carrot, Maven Clinic, Progyny, Optum, Mantech, WINFertility, and Stork Club. Some of these companies may require employees to enroll directly with their organization to be eligible for fertility treatment benefits.
If you're looking to switch plans, make sure to clarify if there are any restrictions on using your new fertility benefits. Some insurance companies require a certain amount of time to pass before dipping into benefits like infertility coverage.
Know Your Benefits
You should thoroughly review your policy to understand what fertility treatments are covered and which are not. This includes examining your policy, contacting your health insurance company, and asking specific questions about coverage.
Some health insurance policies cover procedures used for fertility testing, such as blood tests, HSG, semen analysis, and initial examinations and consultations.
To avoid surprise bills, check if diagnostics like HSG, SHG, and genetic carrier screening are covered. You'll also want to find out if your policy requires the use of a specific, contracted laboratory.
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You may be able to get fertility coverage through your employer, but you'll need to check your policy to see if it's included. Some states, like Connecticut and New York, mandate fertility coverage from employers.
You can ask your employer about fertility benefits, including if there are any restrictions on using your new benefits. Some insurance companies require a certain amount of time to pass before dipping into benefits like infertility coverage.
Here are some examples of fertility benefit administrators that may be accepted by your employer:
- Carrot
- Maven Clinic
- Progyny
- Optum*
- Mantech
- WINFertility
- Stork Club
*The following SGF locations are designated Optum Centers of Excellence: SGF Houston, SGF Tampa Bay, SGF in Virginia, SGF Colorado, SGF New York, SGF in Washington, D.C., SGF in Maryland, SGF Atlanta and SGF in Pennsylvania
Major insurance providers like Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, United Healthcare, and Tricare offer fertility benefits, but your employer needs to purchase these features for you to be covered.
Fertility insurance benefits exist at different levels, including:
- No infertility benefit: This total lack of infertility coverage is uncommon.
- Diagnostic testing only: This more common type of benefit covers procedures necessary to diagnose the causes of infertility.
- Diagnostic testing and limited treatment: Benefits include diagnostic testing and treatment limited to ovulation induction and/or artificial insemination.
- All treatments are covered: This is the most generous policy, but it can change year to year.
Do You Offer Cryopreservation?
Cryopreservation is a crucial aspect of fertility treatment, and it's essential to understand what's covered and what's not. Most fertility patients end up needing to freeze some eggs and/or embryos, so you'll want to budget for those costs if they're not covered.
A good follow-up question to ask is whether there's any coverage or reimbursement for the costs of keeping specimens frozen year over year. This can make a significant difference in your overall expenses.
Sources
- https://www.shadygrovefertility.com/accepted-insurances/
- https://www.aetna.com/individuals-families/womens-health/understanding-infertility.html
- https://www.seattlefertility.com/financial-guidance/insurance-coverage/
- https://www.illumefertility.com/fertility-blog/will-insurance-cover-my-fertility-treatment
- https://www.ivfmd.net/resources/financing/insurance-options/
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