Infertility - Does health insurance cover it???

by Guest » Tue Nov 03, 2009 11:29 am
Guest

Is infertility covered under health insurance?
Is their any other infertility coverage?

Total Comments: 23

Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2009 05:00 pm Post Subject:

Some states require coverage for infertility treatments, others do not. As well, group contracts sometimes cover issues that individual policies don't. So, what state are you in and is this a group or individual policy that you're looking for coverage through?

InsTeacher 8)

Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 07:27 am Post Subject:

I've recently applied for a new health policy and now I have this offer from my employer, which seems like a group coverage.
I'm yet to know the details of the coverage, but it says it will cover infertility too. I'm from FL and I don't have any pre-existing health condition.

Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 06:47 am Post Subject:

It's estimated that only about a quarter of our employer-backed health plans would cover for infertility. The benefits under such plans may also vary with each carrier. Some of the carriers would choose to cover specific drugs while others may simply demand a co-pay worth 50%. That's a good reason why many of us would choose to bear these expenses on our own. Roddick

Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 07:56 pm Post Subject:

The following is copied in its entirety courtesy of http://www.fertilityproregistry.com


States that mandate infertility coverage be provided

The states listed below have mandated that health insurance plans include coverage of all or some aspects of infertility services.

* Arkansas
* Hawaii
* Illinois
* Maryland
* Massachusetts
* Montana
* New Jersey
* New York
* Ohio
* Rhode Island
* West Virginia

Some of these mandates require that coverage be provided only by particular groups such as health maintenance organizations (HMOs). Many direct that certain medical conditions be met before coverage is provided. Some specifically mandate coverage for assisted reproductive technologies (ART), while others specifically limit or exclude it. A description of each state mandate is set forth by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).

States that mandate infertility coverage be offered

The three states listed below have mandated that insurance companies make available policies that cover infertility treatment. However the laws do not require that employers pay for such policies so that individuals may not find those policies available through their employers. The ASRM Web site noted above also summarizes these state mandates.

* California
* Connecticut
* Texas

States without mandates

The remaining 36 states do not have laws that require the provision or offer of infertility coverage. However several organizations are advocating the adoption of additional state infertility insurance mandates. Currently, campaigns to enact such mandates are particularly active in Florida, Maine and Pennsylvania. There also are ongoing efforts to strengthen the existing mandates in Connecticut and Texas.



This should give a bit more info that could help the OP

InsTeacher

8)

Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2009 05:41 am Post Subject:

Thanks for bringing forth such an important topic of discussion. Infertility is something that can't be neglected. Infertility insurance coverage truly helps to finance the required treatments. Important areas like fertility tests, transfer of embryo and insemination (artificial) are covered under it. It has become mandatory across some states to provide infertility insurance.

Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2009 10:18 am Post Subject:

There are some carriers who wouldn't cover infertility stating that though it's a medical condition, it's certainly not life threatening. But in reality I'd come across a number of carriers who'd cover medical treatment for erectile dysfunction. Carriers would also try to establish the higher cost of covering infertility as an important factor for their argument.

Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2009 05:21 pm Post Subject:

You are more likely to get coverage if you have a group policy. I would recommend speaking to you insurance broker.

Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2009 01:32 am Post Subject:

It's always good to get multiple quotes from different insurers, not just to get the best price but also to compare features.

things like infertility coverage are good to know about, but you'd probaly never know unless you made enquiries with a few different insurers.

Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2009 08:28 am Post Subject:

it's good that some states require the coverage of fertility treatments and that some insurance companies offer coverage for the same. but only 11 states out of 50?

i just hope more states would start requiring that. fertility treatments are so expensive and there's no way average-income couples can afford it. it's as good (or as bad) as saying goodbye to their dreams of having kids.

Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2009 08:42 pm Post Subject:

I understand where you're coming from - there is always adoption though. In some ways I think adopting a child is about the most selfless and noble thing a person can do in their life.

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