InstantForum.NET v4.1.4Fertility By Design Forumshttp://forums.fertilitybydesign.com/forums@healthbanks.comSun, 05 Feb 2012 04:42:03 GMT20http://forums.fertilitybydesign.com/Topic39-12-1.aspxOne of the things that has amazed me is the sheer cost of infertility treatments. Between the drugs and the procedure it is the cost of a new car! Unless you are lucky enough to have health care that covers the procedure and meds. I am told that only 10% of all health care providers offer this in their services.When we decided to embark on an IVF journey, we met with the financial planner at the Doctor's office. She gave us options to pay direct, as well as options for financing the treatment thru a lender. Not being independently wealthy, we had to finance. I was not happy with the rate given to me by their "financial partner" so I looked elsewhere. I am glad that I did as I cut my interest rate in half! My complaint (other than the cost) is that I had to select a "plan" before treatment could begin! So many things can happen during this two week process that it does not seem fair to make you choose ahead of time! For instance....I signed up for the "One-Plus" program. This gave me one fresh embryo transfer and one frozen embryo transfer. HOWEVER, we did not end up with enough embroys to freeze....so I was bumped out of my "One +" option. And of course, was not given a rebate.The whole financial aspect seems akin to driving to Las Vegas and betting the odds!How can we keep our stress levels down while we knowingly drop a small fortune on a "chance"?Does anyone know of financial programs that are more flexible?Thu, 12 Feb 2009 16:48:46 GMTCidhttp://forums.fertilitybydesign.com/Topic2132-12-1.aspxWhat do people do with leftover medications? I had a failed IVF cycle and am planning to a frozen cycle. I have 2 boxes of endometrin and now the doctor wants to switch me to crinone. Do people sell them, give these to the clinic even though you paid a lot for the meds? I hate to see it go to waste.Tue, 12 Jan 2010 18:40:47 GMTwinonahttp://forums.fertilitybydesign.com/Topic85-12-1.aspxNest question to the group........as I get ready to do my taxes for 2008 (I itemize), I am wondering if I can include my medical bills associated with IVF? From another thread on this site, I read were someone adopted a child and was given a TAX CREDIT. Wouldn't that be relief if tax credits were given for IUI or IVF......even a portion!Tue, 17 Feb 2009 13:11:05 GMTCidhttp://forums.fertilitybydesign.com/Topic104-12-1.aspxMost employers offer some sort of EAP (Employee Assistance Program). This is short term mental health care that typically costs NOTHING! My employer offers a phone-in EAP which is a bit odd....but if you like to talk on the phone, then it would work for you. My husband's employer offers an real person with their EAP. They are even licensed therapists.Again, each EAP program differs in their approach and the number of visits, but most offer multiple sessions for each issue. And the best part is that they typically do not cost, and access to the Doctor is fairly immediate.If your insurance offers a mental health package you might find that it takes months to get in to see someone....and then you are usually subject to a "Specialist" co-pay....2x or 3x your normal copay.So if you need another avenue to vent, see if you have access to an EAP....and save your co-pay for your IVF payment!Fri, 20 Feb 2009 08:49:26 GMTCidhttp://forums.fertilitybydesign.com/Topic103-12-1.aspxMy friend told me about this program as I do not typically shop at Meijer's. I checked it out on Meijer's website and found it to be true! Finally something FREE!Only catch is that you will need to have your Doctor write you a prescription for Pre-Natal vitamins before Meijer's will give them up.Fri, 20 Feb 2009 08:42:19 GMTCid