Insurance to cover IVF in WA?

HopingForMyFirstBaby · January 2011

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We just found out that we won't be able to get pregnany without IVF and I'm wondering if anyone out there knows of an insurance company that will cover these costs?

My husband and I are both self employed Broker/Owners of a small real estate company in Spokane (I know, not Seattle, sorry!) and we since our company doesn't offer insurance we have individual plans.

We are with Asuris right now and they cover the testing for infertility but not anything else. Sounds like this is going to cost us about $15,000-$20,000 and they need payment at the time of service and don't have any sort of payment plan.

We aren't able to put these costs on a credit card or refinance our house to get money out- thanks housing market crash. Any ideas???

kaitley44 · January 2011

I'm sorry I don't have any info, but I just wanted to wish you luck. Going through IF sucks, and paying for it out of pocket sucks even more. I hope someone will be able to give you the info you need.

tst1998 · January 2011

The only insurance I know of in Washington State that covers IVF is Microsoft (I think it's Aetna). Unfortuantely Washington does not mandate IVF coverage.

If you go through the University of Washington for IVF, it can be cheaper than some of the other local clinics, mainly because you get the meds for much less. I know other clinics (SRM) have financing options that you might qualify for.

It sucks, there's no way around that. But if it's an option, call around to the various clinics and see if you can get ideas on the different pricing. It really does seem to vary.

ETA: sorry, just noticed you were in Spokane, so don't know if the Seattle clinics are an option for you.

MrsH_08 · January 2011

As far as I know, there's no full insurance coverage (except for MS employees, as mentioned). I did 2 IVF's and we paid out-of-pocket for everything, except for a little coverage here and there on some bloodwork.

Check out ARC Fertility, though, and see if your clinic accepts it. ARC is a 3rd party fertility finance company. We used ARC plans for both IVF's and paid about 50% of what the clinic would have charged us. They also offer a refund guarantee program, if you are under 38 years old. Medications are not included and usually cost $3000-5000 per cycle (ouch, I know...mail order pharmacies are your friend!). But saving any way you can helps! The people at ARC were very helpful and not pushy when I called to ask questions.

GL on your IVF cycle! I have so been there!!

mwhite5283 · January 2011

i don't work for MS but have coverage through Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield. There is a lifetime maximum on both the treatments and the drugs (15K each per person covered). After 2 IVFs, our max on the treatments was out yet (we could have done one more) but the drugs only lasted 1 1/2 cycles. We paid out of pocket for a majority of our drugs on the 2nd cycle which can cost as much as the treatment itself. United Healthcare also has similar coverage.

theresab · January 2011

I know someone who had coverage through Group Health on an employer plan. I don't know if their individual plans offer coverage, but might be worth checking out.

Seattle_JiLLn · January 2011

It's usually not an issue of what insurance company you have but rather what policy. Some employers include that coverage in the policy they purchase and some don't. My old job covered some. It's not just Microsoft. Microsoft has really amazing coverage though. So you might call your insurance company and ask them what it would cost to add it.

tfarabians · January 2011

Ms insurance is premera, though its my understanding that its really a ms insurance that they have hired permera to run for them. Its the same coverage as Michelle mentioned she has 15k pp.

I have heard of ivf programs out there that you pay around 10k into and they cover the rest. Its a real problem and I think all insurance should cover it. I'm sorry your dealing with this. Do you know for sure that a less expensive option like iui would not be an option at all for you?

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LuvWestCoast · January 2011

Seattle_JiLLn:
It's usually not an issue of what insurance company you have but rather what policy. Some employers include that coverage in the policy they purchase and some don't. My old job covered some. It's not just Microsoft. Microsoft has really amazing coverage though. So you might call your insurance company and ask them what it would cost to add it.

This. I know Nordstrom also has coverage and their policies are through Aetna and Alliance Select (Group Health included).

lulumialu · January 2011

My husband and I have Aetna through his employer United Online and I know it covers IVF. Not sure of the exact terms but the coverage is there.

HopingForMyFirstBaby · January 2011

Thank you everyone for your insurance ideas, looks like I'll be checking out Aetna, Alliance Select, Premers, Group Health, Empire Blue cross/Blue Shield and the United Healthcare tomorrow.

The ARC fertility finance company also sounds really interesting so I'll definitely look into that too.

We just found out we were IF on Friday so all of this is just happenng so quickly... I just don't know how I'm going to go back to work and actually get anything done. I am going to have a huge list of things I need to research online and clinics and insurance companies I need to call.

I really appreciate all the support, encourage and good luck wishes- thanks again!

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