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(Much of this series pertains to patients seeking treatment in the United States, as some other countries have different financial bases for their medical systems. A future feature will detail some of the other countries' policies regarding the coverage of infertility treatment.)
Now that you have your plan in place, where do you get the money? Through your initial planning, you may have found (like most of us) a shortage of extra funds to be used for infertility treatments. (Read what a banker suggests for funding adoption -- good advice also for affording infertility treatment.) You may have already spent all of your reserves, only to find that more treatment will be needed for you to achieve the family you desire. Once you've considered the traditional options of depleting your savings and borrowing from family or friends, there are indeed a few other options out there.
First, check with your intended or current physician about any assistance programs which they may utilize. Reproductive Science Center in San Francisco provides information on their financial program, which includes a "Third Cycle Free" component in addition to different financing options.
If your physician or clinic currently has no similar program in place, you might approach them about their willingness to start one. As assisted reproductive technology becomes more available, practitioners are being forced to respond to the pull of supply/demand economics.
Next, be sure to look into the possibilities of discount fertility medications, if needed. Warning: The U.S. FDA has reinstated a ban on fertility drug imports. Be a wary and wise consumer when investigating sources for less expensive meds -- follow up with references whenever possible. Also, maintain communication with your practitioner about your intentions to use any medication.
© Tracy Morris
