IVF Financing Options?

emgem819

I apologize ahead of time if this is a repeat discussion forum, but I couldn't find anything recent when searching, so thought I'd start a new discussion.
I'm most likely headed towards IVF after a few failed IUI's (current cycle still hopeful, but no guarantee).  My RE has recommended IVF as the next step.
Problem is (and I know I'm not alone in this) we're financially not able to cover it, so we'll be looking into all possible financing and/or discount programs so I was wondering if anyone had suggestions of particular programs that they know of?  We're paying OOP for everything but ultrasounds.  I'm 37 so I know some programs only apply to the 35 and under crowd.  Thanks for any suggestions you can give!

smdrodgers

The one our clinic recommends is Fertility Finance, I've heard of others using them, and they seem to work with our clinic pretty well.  Have you looked into any clinical trails?  I know there are also some age requirements for those, but I've heard of people having an IVF cycle covered completely with the trial.

Good luck!

dragonfaerie

We actually just went to a Credit Union and took out a personal loan - it was a much better rate than the CapeXMD finance company could give us. I would pick two or three places and shop around a bit. You can even take one offer to another company and say "hey, they gave us 8%, can you beat it?" Keep your receipts and the boxes of your meds for taxes/rebates that you may be eligible for.

emgem819

Thanks @dragonfaerie I'm also a member of our Credit Union so maybe that would be a better rate, you're right.  How did you come up with the amount for the IVF...did your RE's office give you an estimate of all the costs?  Are you just doing one round or did you take out the loan to cover multiple?  My DH is really worried about multiples so if resorting to IVF we'll have to do it one embryo at a time I'm thinking.

emgem819

Thanks @smrodgers33 I'll have to check out Fertility Finance.  I haven't looked into trials at all.  Do you know where I'd find out what options are for that?

dragonfaerie

@emgem819 Our office gave us a really nice breakdown of approximately how much it would cost, so we took out the high end of what we thought we would need. If they give you a breakdown, make sure you are clear about the cost of the IVF stim meds vs the FET/fresh transfer meds. They are two different costs and you don't want any surprises with the money. It is approximate costs because if you have to be stimmed longer or something, you'll have to order more meds.

Our plan is to do one round of stims and then FET. So this first loan will cover the stims and the first FET. The next time we want to do a transfer, we'll have to pay again just for the transfer meds.

We are only going to transfer one emby at a time as the risk for multiples is slightly higher anyway with assisted hatching. Our office said that they would transfer two if we really pushed, but they just don't recommend it because of health risks for you and baby.

mrandmrssmith007

@emgem819 I am in the same boat as you.  We will be doing our 2nd iui in March and if it fails then my RE wants to move to IVF... all out of pocket. My parents were nice enough to offer to do a second mortgage/home equity line of credit on their home for us.  The interest rate would be pretty low, as well as the monthly payment, which is nice.  I hate having to rely on others but at this point we have no choice.  Good luck to you.

smdrodgers

@emgem819 Our clinic lists the trials that they have currently going, I would ask your nurse if you are eligible for any of them.  I know some only cover meds, some only cover monitoring, etc., but definitely worth looking into.

greengypsy

hello.. i would check resolves website. they have a page about ivf financing.. i just googled it.. my clinic just gave me forms to complete for medication discounts thru compassionate care program (emd serono) & first steps (design rx). good luck! we are preparing for ivf in april & are completely oop so i feel your pain! 

emgem819

@mrandmrssmith007 good to hear someone else is in the same boat although I'm sorry we both have to resort to ivf if this last iui doesn't work.  I will also likely be turning to my parents to possibly borrow money if loans or discounted ivf prices don't work out.  They just gave us money for our wedding last year so it's the last thing I want to do although my dh keeps saying how much they want grandkids so I think they'd be supportive at least!

susykat77

Another option (although not for everyone) is to consider IVF abroad. Many people travel to the Czech Republic for treatment and I have as well. Good luck ladies!!

caitiemae

We also paid OOP for IVF and ended up opening a credit card with a one-year 0% interest rate. For us, we just barely had enough cash available and wanted to avoid depleting all our savings. I definitely wouldn't recommend this route unless you are confident that you can make all the payments within a year, as the interest after the intro period would probably kill your finances. But if you can, it's a great way to avoid interest payments from a medical loans. Plus you'll get some airline miles out of it

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kms456

We are also OOP and we chose to do a house refi w/ cash back.  We have enough equity in our house that this was the best option for us. And got a lower interest rate so it seems to be working out.