Fertility Expenses
Medical Coverage for Fertility
The costs associated with fertility drugs and fertility treatments are a major concern for couples struggling with infertility. While some health insurance plans provide coverage or reimbursement for fertility testing, most medical plans either don't cover or provide minimal coverage for fertility treatments. Moreover, rates vary widely from state to state and from clinic to clinic as to which fertility procedures are paid for and which a couple has to pay for themselves.
Average Infertility Treatment Costs
In general, costs for treatments such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) and ovarian stimulation are considerably less than the cost of in vitro fertilization (IVF), which can run up to about $11,000 to $12,000 in the United States. Some states have mandated infertility treatment costs up to a certain maximum, while other states have no such mandates.
Here are some average costs associated with various fertility drugs, fertility tests, and fertility treatments:
Initial Consultation with a Fertility Specialist: $200-$400
Semen Analysis (Sperm Testing): $50-$300
Ultrasound Tests: $150-$500
Blood Work: $100-$400
Clomid: $10-$100 per cycle
IUI: $300-$900
Monitored IUI + Injected Gonadotropins: $900-$3000
Cost of Injected Gonadotropins: $1000-$3500
IVF: $11,000 on average
IVF + ICSI: $12,500 on average
Fertility Drugs for IFV Cycle: $2800 on average, though prices can be much higher
IVF + Donor Eggs (plus donor, agency and legal fees): $28,000 on average
Buyer Beware: Low-Cost Fertility Clinics
Low fertility service fees are appealing, but be sure to do your research since with infertility cheaper is not always better! Be wary of services boasting low costs per cycle - if a clinic's success rates are also low, you may end up requiring more treatment cycles and save no money at all.
Financing Infertility: Consult the Experts
Every fertility specialist or fertility clinic should be able to offer expert advice and consultation regarding costs of treatments, health care and insurance plans, legal issues, and financial planning tips. Some of the best 'experts' include couples who have already experienced fertility testing and/or procedures and are willing to share their experiences and advice with you.
Income Tax Filing Options
Certain health expenses can be claimed as "deductibles" on your income tax return, including some fertility related expenses. The rule is that medical expenses costing 7.5% more than your adjusted gross income can be claimed as a deduction. Some of these possible deductibles include fees for treatment of medical conditions related to infertility - including doctor appointments, medications, and procedures; travel costs; counseling costs related to medical treatments; health insurance premiums paid by the patient (not the employer). Be sure to consult with a qualified income tax advisor regarding all of your income tax filing options.
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