In vitro fertilization (IVF) offers hope for many couples struggling with infertility. While every patient’s path to pregnancy is unique, there’s not one answer to the question, “what will IVF cost?” The costs of IVF can seem daunting, but for those who want to pursue IVF in St. Louis, MO, there are ways to lower costs and get financial assistance. Here’s a look at payment options, discounts, grants, loans, and insurance coverage that can make IVF more affordable.
IVF 101: A Step-by-Step Guide for St. Louis Couples
Programs to Assist Parents-to-Be
Payment Plans and Discounts
Are There IVF Payment Plans?
MCRM Fertility wants to be helpful in making IVF affordable for patients. That’s why we work with reputable financial lenders who can developed IVF Payment Plans that allow patients to spread the cost of IVF out over time.
Multi-cycle IVF and egg retrieval discounts are also common when undergoing more than one IVF cycle. Our dedicated financial counselors are driven by your goal of becoming a parent, and every day they help to make fertility treatment financially manageable for our patients. Prospective patients can set up a consultation with them at any time.
Can you Finance Infertility Treatments for IVF?
At MCRM Fertility, we’ve identified the best fertility loan programs in the region. We’ve aligned with some of the very best fertility loan programs, vetted carefully over our many years in practice. The lenders that met our stringent criteria proved they have a heart for what we do. We know they’re committed to helping you make your fertility journey possible.
The lenders we work with offer 24-hour loan approval, longer terms if needed, and no penalty for early payoff. Our financial counselors can provide you with detailed information, including their fertility loan rates and terms.
Are there Grants from Organizations for Infertility Treatments?
There are organizations that provide financial grants and assistance to subsidize IVF treatment.
Two to consider are:
The Cade Foundation, which provides grants up to $10,000 to qualifying families in Missouri and the Baby Quest Foundation, which offers two grants annually.
Additional foundations that offer grants and scholarships for infertility treatment are listed via the Resolve website.
Insurance coverage for infertility treatment varies by plan and by state mandates. Several states now require insurance coverage for fertility care; however, there are some exceptions that may allow particular plans to still exclude fertility coverage. These could include:
- Self-Insured Plans
- Plans with fewer than set required number of employees
- Employers with religious affiliation
Currently in the Midwest, only three states, Illinois, Arkansas and Kentucky, have established fertility care insurance mandates. In Illinois, both IVF and fertility preservation services are included while in Arkansas only IVF is included. In Kentucky, the mandate is only for fertility preservation services. At this time, Missouri has no insurance mandate for either IVF treatment or fertility preservation; however, some employer policies may offer benefits.
While an insurance plan may not include fertility treatment coverage, often, plans do provide diagnostic coverage that is applicable for our patients. In such circumstances, insurance is applied towards initial and follow-up office visits and evaluation testing.
MCRM accepts most major insurance carriers and is proud to be part of the selective Progyny network. Insurance carriers that MCRM Fertility is in network with include:
- Aetna
- Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield
- Cigna
- HealthChoice
- Healthlink
- Maven
- Progyny
- TriWest Tricare West Region
- United Healthcare (UHC)
- UMR
Contact your insurance provider or employer’s human resource department and check to see if your insurance provides any fertility coverage and seek exceptions where possible.
The price of IVF can make achieving pregnancy seem out of reach. But resources exist in St. Louis to help people who want to start their family to afford quality treatment. From clinics like MCRM offering various paths to funding to foundations providing grants, there are ways to financially plan for IVF success. Ask us how we can collaboratively build a treatment plan that fits your budget.
Discount Programs for Fertility Treatments
MCRM Fertility also offers several special, self-pay, discount programs for patients who qualify.
- Teachers
- First Responders
- Military Members
To learn more about these discount programs you may speak with one of our financial counselors or call 636-735-3935.
How to Find Discounts on Infertility Medications
We encourage all self-pay patients to apply for both the Compassionate Care Program and ReUnite Assist. These programs can aid towards the most common medications utilized during fertility treatment.
Veteran Programs
If you or your partner are veterans, you may qualify for these medication discount programs.
Crowdfunding
Some patients – or their friends and families – opt to launch a crowdfunding campaign through GoFundMe to help raise funds from their community to cover IVF costs.
Help for Fertility Patients with Cancer (OncoFertillity Programs)
For patients seeking fertility care or fertility preservation services due to a current or prior diagnosis of cancer we strongly encourage them to apply for the LiveStrong Fertility program. Additional programs may also be applicable.
At MCRM, we understand there’s a lot at stake, emotionally and financially. That’s why we do everything in our power to make the costs of fertility treatment easier to understand. Then we work together to make your fertility treatment financially manageable.. For more information, contact us to speak with a financial counselor.