In-Vitro Fertilization Coverage
Although it is rare, some employer sponsored group health plans may provide coverage for IVF. If your husband is insured under a group health plan through his employer, you may check to see if his coverage provides this benefit. If so, you might consider the possibility of switching to his coverage during open enrollment. If this is not an option, consider checking with some IVF clinics and see if they can suggest to you which insurance companies are inclined to cover this service. Or, perhaps they can suggest alternative options of paying for this procedure. It might also be a good idea to check on the limitations and exclusions of your existing health plan to make sure that there are no exclusions that apply to maternity benefits. Prior to planning a pregnancy, you want to make sure that your coverage has the appropriate maternity benefits as well. 1 CommentLeave a comment |
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I recently found out that I am unable to conceive children and am considering in-vitro fertilization as on option. I am insured under the health plan offered by my company, but they do not cover this. Do you have any insurance that will cover this that I can buy separately?
Although we can’t guarantee you that no such insurance exists, but we are fairly confident that it will be extremely difficult to find on the individual health insurance market. There are a few reasons why insurance companies commonly exclude this benefit. 1) By providing you with coverage for in-vitro fertilization, they are increasing their chances that they will create another medical condition pregnancy. 2) There are concerns about the complications of pregnancy that are sometimes associated with artificial inducement, such as multiple births. 3) The cost for such treatment can be costly. 4) It is not medically necessary. Health insurance is designed to provide coverage for medical expenses that are medically necessary in order to treat a medical condition. Although infertility can be viewed as a medical condition, it is one that most insurance companies feel does not require treatment in order to maintain your health. It is viewed much in the same way as cosmetic surgery, which falls under the category of elective procedures that are excluded from most health plans.
I don’t think they will cover it either. I think most individual health plans don’t do cover it. You didn’t mention which state you live in? There is only 15 states that offer ANY coverage at all for fertility treatments. I’ve found that you get the best coverage on the east coast and some of the New England states. But I am not sure exactly which states offer what and how it will help you. I do have some info that may help you. I have a friend from MA who did in vitro fertilization and her insurance would have nothing to do with it, because she had already had an sterilization done. But if you have never had that done, then maybe it is different for you? My insurance on the other covered everything but co-pays, but of course I did have a group plan. When I was going trough it all, I found fertility talklines to be a great help and resource. They were very nice and friendly, and helped me out with explaining my policy to me. Maybe you can try that?
Comment by Karla — June 15, 2009 @ 11:20 am