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Many have maxed out their credit card accounts throughout their treatment plan. While it is relatively easy to use plastic (and all providers will happily oblige you), this is understandably not recommended, primarily due to the tremendous disadvantage of high interest rates. If paying back a loan is an option for you, look into any relationships between your medical practitioner and local lending institutions.
On this page of the Colorado Springs Business Journal, scroll down past the first report to "Baby Business" by Cassie Armstrong and Casey Hibbard to read about how one enterprising physician is linking his patients to funding. Since first being contacted by Dr. Paul Magarelli, according to US Bank's Larry Clark, approximately two dozen couples have been assisted through the use of the bank's already existing consumer products such as debt consolidation, second mortgages, and other secured and unsecured loans. While prefacing that most who apply are homeowners and that not everyone will qualify for assistance, "We look for ways," said Clark, to help in the family-building process. While direct physician-banker-patient programs are new, such avenues of funding are expected to increase and are well worth looking into by intended patients.
Another new concept in lending is the IVF Finance Program, presenting themselves as "the only national loan program created for the sole purpose of offering financing for expenses related to IVF (and other) treatments". This company offers three levels of qualification, and applies on your behalf to over 1,000 lending institutions. Since practitioners receive funds directly from IVF Finance, rigorous screening is done beforehand regarding the doctor's licensing and insurance. If this sounds like the ideal solution to your needs, ask your physician to contact the company and inquire about being a participating provider.
Yes, believe it or not, someone is on your side. In fact, two separate organizations were conceived with your situation in mind:
In their three years of existence, The Fertility Foundation, Inc. has already assisted several U.S. families with funding for treatment. They also maintain a unique pharmaceutical donation program with the cooperation of a licensed pharmacist, as well as searchable databases of support groups and physicians recommended by visitors to their website. Be sure to read through their applicant requirements to see if your situation qualifies for their assistance program.
The Goldfish Dreams Foundation, Inc. was the inception of former infertility patient Johanna Harness. Working from their funding base of a store with fertility-related items, this Foundation assisted in matching up individuals who could help each other with meds, and Harness' long-time dream was to provide treatment funding for applicants. The "Goldfish Community" currently offers a mailing list specifically for attachment parenting after infertility. (Editor's note: As of Fall 2000, Goldfish Dreams Foundation is no longer available for financial assistance.)
© Tracy Morris
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