How do you do it?

Hot Pants Donaldson · July 2010

Seriously - my RE's office sent over a quote for 1 cycle of IVF and I'm not even sure it will cover the pharmacy meds and I fell to the floor. Just when I thought I was getting over the shock of it all too.

How do you do it? I have infertility coverage for diagnosis and 6 IUI a lifetime but nothing for IVF. I'm super greateful for at least the 6 IUI's but because DH's SA resulted in low motility, we're not candidates for IUI...

Man, IVF isn't cheap at all...in fact, its so expensive that I have no idea how we'll make it work.

Ideas? Suggestions? How do you do it? Loop holes with insurance? Weekly carwashes to fund IVF cycles? I mean, I'll try just about anything to come up with the $$.

Sorry, I'm very new to this... thanks all!

anjiela7 · July 2010

Whelp.... I got nuthin. It's pretty stressful for me. My RE also expressed to me that he wants me to do a cycle before my 35th ....which is in 3 months 8 days... Super Angry

I'm praying for a miracle.

Yellow_Daisy · July 2010

We took a 2 yr break to save and pay down debt so we had more money each month. We are still doing IUIs right now but we wanted to get into a position where IVF could be a possibility if we needed to do it.

Hot Pants Donaldson · July 2010

anjiela7:
Whelp.... I got nuthin. It's pretty stressful for me. My RE also expressed to me that he wants me to do a cycle before my 35th ....which is in 3 months 8 days... I'm praying for a miracle.

Seriously - I have no idea how people pay for it...especially in this economy. Praying for a miracle for you and me!

Hot Pants Donaldson · July 2010

Yellow_Daisy:
We took a 2 yr break to save and pay down debt so we had more money each month. We are still doing IUIs right now but we wanted to get into a position where IVF could be a possibility if we needed to do it.

We may have to do that... Argh, I don't want to wait any longer! Its been over a year since our m/c, been TTC since May 2009. However; we haven't been doing anything to not get pg since late 2006. Man, I wish I had gone to the RE earlier.

mrshoppy_1231 · July 2010

It's very expensive. I know that other ladies here just take the time to save for it. We are still in the IUI phase and aren't sure we'll do IVF mostly because of the cost. We don't have any coverage for IVF either.

On an off topic, I would think that just with low motility you would be a great candidate for IUI? Since the "swimming" is the problem IUI would get them closer to the egg at the right time...?

anjiela7 · July 2010

I was looking up clinical trials. I'll find the info and send it to you when I get home from work. Maybe they pay for part. I haven't been as lucky though in PA.

sweetky_06 · July 2010

Unfortunately there is no magic bullet. I know people who have opened up Etsy shops, made dramatic lifestyle changes (no eating out, no vacations, no buying clothes), taken out loans, accepted gifts from their parents, gotten second jobs, and more.

There is also the option of going overseas, such as Costa Rica/Panama for lower-cost treatments.

Good luck!

Hot Pants Donaldson · July 2010

mrshoppy_1231:
It's very expensive. I know that other ladies here just take the time to save for it. We are still in the IUI phase and aren't sure we'll do IVF mostly because of the cost. We don't have any coverage for IVF either.

On an off topic, I would think that just with low motility you would be a great candidate for IUI? Since the "swimming" is the problem IUI would get them closer to the egg at the right time...?

Hot Pants Donaldson · July 2010

mrshoppy_1231:

It's very expensive. I know that other ladies here just take the time to save for it. We are still in the IUI phase and aren't sure we'll do IVF mostly because of the cost. We don't have any coverage for IVF either.

On an off topic, I would think that just with low motility you would be a great candidate for IUI? Since the "swimming" is the problem IUI would get them closer to the egg at the right time...?

Hot Pants Donaldson · July 2010

mrshoppy_1231:

It's very expensive. I know that other ladies here just take the time to save for it. We are still in the IUI phase and aren't sure we'll do IVF mostly because of the cost. We don't have any coverage for IVF either.

On an off topic, I would think that just with low motility you would be a great candidate for IUI? Since the "swimming" is the problem IUI would get them closer to the egg at the right time...?

I'm not a fan of insurance companies at this moment! Once DH has his infertility urologist appt on Monday, we'll go back to the RE. I already have a list of questions and the first is why aren't we candidates. I thought the same thing, but I think it may have to do with the strengh of the sperm? I was so taken-aback when he called with the SA results that I'm not sure I asked all of the ?'s that I wanted to.

If I figure out a solid way to get the $$ for IVF, I'll definitely let you know. Its sad that the cost is what is coming between us and a baby.

Hot Pants Donaldson · July 2010

anjiela7:
I was looking up clinical trials. I'll find the info and send it to you when I get home from work. Maybe they pay for part. I haven't been as lucky though in PA.

Thank you! Smile

Hot Pants Donaldson · July 2010

sweetky_06:

Unfortunately there is no magic bullet. I know people who have opened up Etsy shops, made dramatic lifestyle changes (no eating out, no vacations, no buying clothes), taken out loans, accepted gifts from their parents, gotten second jobs, and more.

There is also the option of going overseas, such as Costa Rica/Panama for lower-cost treatments.

Good luck!

Thanks for the ideas, those are all ones that I have pondered and have on my list... I was reading online that some do go overseas, but I don't know much about it.

Kuleama · July 2010

I was in the same state of shock as you are! IF is expensive! I would have them bill EVERYTHING, even if they don't think it's covered - just in case!

We looked in to getting a credit card. We were laughed at when we went to the bank to ask for a $25,000 line of credit. Apparently banks just don't loan out that kind of unsecured credit anymore Confused

They asked us if we had equity in our home... UH NO... we bought our home 3 years ago... you know, RIGHT before the market tanked! They then asked us if our parents own homes and if they'd be able to take out a home equity line of credit. So my husbands parents took out a second mortgage on their home and we are paying them back every month. The interest rate is SO much less than a credit card (3.99% vs 10.99%).

Besides that, we are cutting everything back - cable, cell minutes, dining out, entertainment, clothes......

HTH... good luck in your next steps!!

Fundoh21 · July 2010

I recommend you discuss doing an IUI again with your RE. Using injectables for an IUI will give the RE an idea of how you respond to these meds before you proceed with an IVF. Plus, you will most likely have some left over meds that you can then use for your IVF cycle, which would be a huge bonus if your insurance covers meds for an IUI.

SallyAnneS · July 2010

We are not at the point of IVF yet. But we have re-finaced out house to pay down our line of credit with the bank. This way allowing us more income for IUI's and also to start saving for IVF if we need it. Is this an option for you? I am always amazed by the ladies on here who are able to save up and pay cash. I will have to use credit and deal with the interest.

kthappy76 · July 2010

As PP have said, it ain't easy. I would get multiple opinions about what treatments are best given your dx and then exhaust your covered cycles. Sometimes other procedures, surgeries, etc., can be covered under your regular insurance coverage. In the meantime, figure out how much you have/can save from earnings, savings, retirement, home equity, gifts, etc. If either of you are considering changes jobs, look at the IF coverage before taking a new position. I'm seriously considering going abroad as well. GL!

JackieMac824 · July 2010

We had to pay OOP for IVF as well and it cost us $ 13,000 - we had to save for a year before we could afford it - plus we cut out alot of stuff - like we stopped going out to eat and I stopped buying new clothes and I stopped getting my hair colored - things like that - it is overwhelming at first but it is doable - best of luck to you.

anjiela7 · July 2010

https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term=IVF+CA&recr=Open

This is the list of IVF trials in CA. I did the same search for PA. I just emailed the contacts listed on the trials I thought I qualified for. They actually got back to me. One place said they dont pay a thing. The other stated they would have the nurse coordinator to contact me...I'm still waiting. I'm gonna write out a prayer list full of IF ladies. Its gonna be fun talking to God and asking him to please bless Hot Pants with a BFP!

albjag · July 2010

Good luck- it's just scrimping and saving. That's where we are now- almost in the middle of a 2yr break to save $ for our next step. We are 100% out of pocket

If I were you, I'd definitely do at least IUIs while you wait to save for IVF- since you have coverage for IUIs. Pretty sure IUIs are a decent option for low motility. Obviously, IVF may be a better option, but if you have coverage for IUI, start there.

newsbaby · July 2010

We cleared out our savings unfortunately.

Imanurse03 · July 2010

It sucks! We used some savings and were fortunate enough to be approved for a shared risk program with our RE. So we got quite a bit of money from our parents to use towards the shared risk. We haven't taken a real vacation in 3 years. We haven't done any home improvement projects in a few years. We don't eat out as much. We have cut back on entertainment. I'd rather cut back on things but if I needed to, I could pick up some OT or get a PT job to pay for it. It sucks that any of us have to be in this position. Good luck to you!

mdluv21 · July 2010

My DHs counts are all low and my RE still think it is worth it for us to try IUI at least twice and we are OOP for those too. If I had coverage for them I would do IUI at least 3 or more times.

As for IVF, if we end up there, we will wipe out our savings account and ask MIL for help which thankfully she is able to give.

I am sorry. It is very overwhelming and sad that yes money does dictate what we can do in terms of getting PG.

KelinandKevin · July 2010

We purchased a multi-cycle program through Attain IVF and I had all my meds donated from awesome friends. But we paid for it by cashing out my 401(k). I thought I could either have that towards retirement or have a family. I don't know that I want to enjoy retirement without a family and grandkids.

Hot Pants Donaldson · July 2010

anjiela7:

https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term=IVF+CA&recr=Open

This is the list of IVF trials in CA. I did the same search for PA. I just emailed the contacts listed on the trials I thought I qualified for. They actually got back to me. One place said they dont pay a thing. The other stated they would have the nurse coordinator to contact me...I'm still waiting. I'm gonna write out a prayer list full of IF ladies. Its gonna be fun talking to God and asking him to please bless Hot Pants with a BFP!

Thank you so much! I'll take a look at this Thanks for the prayers too! You and all of the ladies have been added to my prayer list!

Hot Pants Donaldson · July 2010

Kuleama:

I was in the same state of shock as you are! IF is expensive! I would have them bill EVERYTHING, even if they don't think it's covered - just in case!

We looked in to getting a credit card. We were laughed at when we went to the bank to ask for a $25,000 line of credit. Apparently banks just don't loan out that kind of unsecured credit anymore

They asked us if we had equity in our home... UH NO... we bought our home 3 years ago... you know, RIGHT before the market tanked! They then asked us if our parents own homes and if they'd be able to take out a home equity line of credit. So my husbands parents took out a second mortgage on their home and we are paying them back every month. The interest rate is SO much less than a credit card (3.99% vs 10.99%).

Besides that, we are cutting everything back - cable, cell minutes, dining out, entertainment, clothes......

HTH... good luck in your next steps!!

Equity in the home? Ya right, exactly! Most people don't! I know we don't! I think we'll reach out to family, once we have our first face to face appt regarding IVF...although I've had many phone conversations with my RE and nurse!

Hot Pants Donaldson · July 2010

KelinandKevin:
We purchased a multi-cycle program through Attain IVF and I had all my meds donated from awesome friends. But we paid for it by cashing out my 401(k). I thought I could either have that towards retirement or have a family. I don't know that I want to enjoy retirement without a family and grandkids.

Thats exactly how I feel! I'd rather cash out the 401(k) and start over knowing that when its time, I can enjoy with my children and grandchildren.

This just sucks!

Hot Pants Donaldson · July 2010

Thanks everyone for all of your ideas and thoughts & prayers. I've added you my prayer list! Its nice to know that I'm not alone out there...

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