IVF & Tricare

WillCMyInk

So, from my knowledge, Tricare only covers meds if you are using TI. That being said, are there any tricks or programs that aren't well known that will allow for lower cost IVF options for military? I would be interested in info on both Norfolk/Bethesda and San Diego as we will be PCSing within the next year and may not be financially able to do IVF until after the PCS.

lesleyn21

I have not found any way to get around them not paying for any portion besides the meds.

divinemsbee

Unfortunately, I don't know any in the areas you're talking about. The MTF that I go to, BAMC/SAMMC, has an infertility/RE clinic in it attached to the OB/GYN. From what I have been told they offer IUI and IVF at heavy discounts even with meds, mainly they charge for the embryologist who comes in from outside the hospital. I do know that we would be paying for meds if we went beyond TI, but Tricare covers them for TI. It would also depend on which program of Tricare you're on. Maybe contact the MTFs in those areas or look at their websites to see if they have Infertility/RE specialists there and see what their requirements are. I know some people prefer to go private and not deal with the bureaucracy, but if you can use the MTF, I would just because it's probably cheaper. Other than that, perhaps someone who works in OB/GYN at either of those stations might be able to tell you which RE they refer to.

ufsandra85

Walter Reed does IVF for a very discounted price. Norfolk does not but they have IUI for only 110 dollars. San diego has a long waiting list but they are also very affordable. there is a really good infertility fb group for military wives

boymomstrong

Portsmouth was attempting to get their own IVF facility up and running when I was there in 2010, so you may call and ask gow thats going, ask for Dr. Shipiro, he was anazing and so wonderful to us... As far as in san diego, the wait is long but the meds are more affordable and all your monitoring is covered... I ended up going civillian to san diego fertility center and worked with dr rakoff and he is amazing! Pregnant with #2 now!
All depends on what you can afford vs waiting times...
Good luck!

If you want to chat feel free to PM me...

ufsandra85

Portsmouth doesn't do ivf and that is no longer a plan. Dr Shapiro retired over a year ago

Smudges*Mom

I cycled at Walter Reed in 2008 after doing four IUI cycles with the San Diego IF clinic.

My experience is dated, but I am not aware of any "tricks" or programs to get something for free. If you were able to find a way to get infertility treatments funded by Tricare, there is always the risk of being caught and them coming after the funds they feel are theirs.

That said, my experience with the IVF program at Walter Reed was quite positive. It was a challenge to get into the program. (We were told by the "gatekeeper"/receptionist that certain labs were required from my DH in order to be able to proceed. We drove from Fort Lee to WRAMC, in a Tropical Storm, in order to get this done. I found out, when I was able to speak to a nurse, my DH was current on his lab work and our trip to DC in horrible weather was a complete and total waste of time!) Once accepted into the program, things went much more smoothly. When I cycled, there were grant monies that paid for our meds, but we were told that that was not always the case. Also, the IVF program cycles only certain times of the year. One way they keep costs down is to run a very tight and streamlined program. It is bare bones, no frills, minimal hand-holding. You hit the ground running. But, despite an awful cycle (due to my body's reaction to the meds), I got pregnant and our little one is nearly 4.5 years old now.

Good luck with the PCS and your next steps.

galaxymom830

Like PPs have said, there are a few MTFs that will do it for cheap.  You could also research some IVF clinical trials/studies.  I know of a few people who got pregnant from the New Hope clinical study in NYC.  They would only do FETs, but everything was covered other than meds and travel expenses if you weren't local.

WillCMyInk

Thanks @gonzol! It turns out my RE is a turd and (IMO) was just trying to get some money out of us. We were successful with a combination cycle. 

We've still got a year or so before we head out there. I didn't know you were out there!