Forgive me in advance. I hate to gripe about our messed up health care system and the fact that infertility is rarely covered for most people because, well, that's what it is. But I just got a bill for the sonohysterogram I had a week or so ago and was told that my insurance, "no longer covers infertility testing," which it did last year. It was the only thing we had covered, so you can imagine the shock at receiving this bill. Needless to say, I will be looking into the situation (another fun way to spend a Friday!), but for now I will bitch.
Having a baby is not like having a Cadillac or a sweet pair of perky silicone breasts. Being able to have a family is not the same as being able to eat at fancy restaurants and wear Prada shoes. Yet if I were to classify IVF and other infertility treatments and/or family building options like adoption, it would have to go into the category of luxury, because insurance sees it that way—not medically necessary. Therefore only people with some means can afford to do these things.
When I talk to couples who have been successful at constructing a family, I’m often hesitant to ask them the cost. Not physically or emotionally, that’s a given. But financially, what did they have to spend? The answers have ranged from 10-20K for one successful IVF round, to 250K PLUS for failed IVF and adoptions or egg donation plus surrogacy. Even the lowest end of this scale is a huge luxury.
In Israel, according to the Israeli National Health Insurance Law, all Israeli citizens are entitled to fertility testing and treatment, including IVF. They may have some form of co-pay but in general, fertility treatment is not just for those who can afford it. It is for those who want a family. Period.
I have problems with my reproductive system and there are some medical ways that can potentially help it function as it should. If IVF wasn't so insanely expensive, or if it were covered by insurance, I could perhaps try several rounds of natural IVF, which is supposedly more successful for people in my boat with DOR.
If I had a bunion that was a little annoying but I could still walk, the removal of said bunion would be covered by insurance so that my quality of life could be restored. Who can I write to at my insurance company about my quality of life right now?
I get it. This is the way it is. It's obviously unfair, but so is a lot about American health care. But it just feels so terrible sometimes that money has to dictate what many of us can and can't do to create our families.
Resolve's advocacy day is coming up on May 7th. It's good to get involved and feel heard, but it's not going to change the immediate outcome for many of us. The financial aspect of all of this is an additional loss, and an additional piece of acceptance we all have to come to terms with. It can be a challenge at times, that's for sure. In the end, I know it will all have been worth it. It better be!
I have a feeling inside of me that is dangerously close to hate for the healthcare and insurance companies we have in the US. It's basically all BS and a legal extortion system. Peoples health (and sanity) shouldn't be held for ransom!
Posted by: Holly E | February 01, 2014 at 02:11 PM
Un. Freaking. Real. Indeed, Cheryl! Ugh.
Thanks for the info married with endo--I went to your blog the other day and tried to comment but I couldn't figure it out on my phone. Anyway, I wanted to say great blog, lots of good info. I'm curious how this turns out for you. You've been through SOOOOO much! I truly hope for all good things for you! Sending lots of love!
Posted by: Don't Count Your Eggs | January 31, 2014 at 01:43 PM
I hear ya sister! My insurance will cover diagnostic (thankful for that) but not any medication or procedures like IUI or IVF. Why? Because it's a "lifestyle choice" and "not medically necessary." Ok, fine if that's the "rule." However, in looking at the list of benefits and services my insurance does provide, 95% of them aren't "medically necessary." Also, my insurance covers gastric bypass. So if ever I make the "lifestyle choice" of overeating to obesity and refuse to lose weight on my own accord, I'm covered. Moreover, breast reconstruction after a mastectomy is covered by the Women's Health & Cancer Rights Act...I'm all for that but I don't understand how that is acceptable but fertility treatment for the 23 year old who was born without ovaries is dismissed... Un freaking real.
Posted by: Cheryl | January 31, 2014 at 07:57 AM
Sorry, Anonymous was me. I started cycles there in May. You can email me if you have any questions. Here's a link to a forum that has lots of ladies that also cycle there. (It's how I discovered the clinic) It says it's for over 40, but there are many younger than that including me (33yo) since having DOR at a younger age is a more rare infertility diagnosis.
http://www.network54.com/Forum/53068/
Posted by: marriedwithendo.blogspot.com | January 30, 2014 at 10:04 AM
Karissa--it is frustrating and I wish you the best of luck too! Anonymous, I will check out the Irvine center, sounds interesting. Thanks for the info!
Posted by: Don't Count Your Eggs | January 30, 2014 at 08:21 AM
I agree its so hard I wish Insurance companies could understand more and see things in a better perspective. Its hard for me to watch people complain about how much there insurance had to pay for their baby to be born when i'm only 23 and have spent over 15 grand already just to fail at getting pregnant its so hard and frustrating.I hope all works out for you sending positive energy your way.
Posted by: Karissa | January 30, 2014 at 07:40 AM
Life IVF Center in Irvine, CA does a natural cycle IVF package of three cycles for just under $10k. It's a new clinic, but the success rates are amazing due to their top notch lab. If you want to try with your own eggs again, it's worth looking into...
Posted by: Anonymous | January 30, 2014 at 07:21 AM