So….you’ve decided to embark on the IVF journey. Preparing for in vitro fertilization (IVF) financially can be a daunting task, but careful planning and consideration can make the process much more manageable!
Here are 8 top tips to help you financially prepare for IVF:
- Research Costs Thoroughly
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- Understand the full cost: IVF can range from $12,000 to $15,000 per cycle, excluding medication, which can add another $3,000 to $5,000+.
- Account for any additional procedures: Embryo freezing, genetic testing and any other additional services you may wish to take on during the process.
- Consider any services you wish to use during the process: Fertility acupuncture, additional therapy help etc.
- Check Insurance Coverage
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- Review your group benefits insurance policy: Some plans offer partial coverage for IVF or fertility medications. This coverage tends to be buried in the benefits booklet, so…dig deep! For medication, go directly to the website of the carrier to search for the drugs to check how much of it is covered. Make sure to check both your own and your spouses coverage details.
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) or Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): Use these to save pre-tax dollars for medical expenses if allowable under your plan.
- Explore Financing Options
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- Fertility loans: Specialized loans for medical treatments are available through certain organizations.
- Personal loans or lines of credit: Banks and credit unions offer these with varying interest rates. Try to stay away from using credit cards as those will come with a hefty interest rate.
- Fertility Grant Programs
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- Grants: Certain clinics are directly affiliated with grant programs but there are also independent programs available and open for applications.
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- Fertility Friends Foundation offers a $5,000 grant and has also partnered up with numerous fertility clinics to help fund the rest of the cycle for grant recipients. They have helpful resources for grant recipients as they go through their IVF journey. IVF Cycle Program | fertilityfriendsfoundation.com.
- Budget and Save
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- Create a savings plan: Set aside money specifically for IVF treatments. Cut unnecessary expenses and divert those funds to your IVF savings.
- Automate savings: Set up automatic transfers to a dedicated savings account on the same day you get paid. The sooner it leaves your primary bank account, the less chance there is of spending it on discretionary items.
- Negotiate Costs
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- Talk to your clinic: Some clinics offer payment plans or package deals for multiple cycles.
- Ask for discounts: Clinics may offer discounts for upfront payments or for cash payments.
- Tax Deductions
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- Medical expense deduction: IVF costs can be tax-deductible if they exceed a certain percentage of your adjusted gross income. Keep detailed records and receipts. Speak to your accountant to get an idea of what refund you can expect based on your income. Incorporate the refund into your overall budget, knowing you will receive it and be able to pay down any debts incurred during the process.
- Seek Support
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- Join support groups
- Consult a financial advisor: Professional advice can help you create a realistic plan tailored to your financial situation.
Summary
Financially preparing for IVF requires thorough research, leveraging insurance and employer benefits, exploring financing options, and diligently saving. Consider all available resources and support systems to make the journey more manageable.
Carve out time to do the research to hopefully lessen the financial stress tied to the IVF process.
By taking these steps, you can better navigate the financial challenges of IVF and focus more on the emotional and physical aspects of the journey!