Perhaps one of the most common sticking points for people who are considering fertility treatment is financial. The diagnosis and treatment of infertility is not an expense that most people save for, and insurance coverage is often unavailable.

What are some steps you can take to assure that your path to a family isn't completely blocked by inability to afford treatment?

Often, people who've experienced dissatisfaction in trying to obtain insurance coverage will freely dispense misinformation to others. Pay less attention to disgruntled co-workers and more to the fine print of your own plan. If you need assistance in locating those details, talk to the person at your job who is assigned the task of being a liaison with the insurance company. Or, if you're the private owner of a policy, contact your agent.

Where to Turn for Help

Over the years, different companies have responded to the growing need for financial assistance related to fertility treatment. Unfortunately, some of these companies may not be as reliable as others, as the marketplace of hopeful parents-to-be is ripe for being taken advantage of by unscrupulous lenders.

We often refer patients to the Capital One Family Fee Plan. This fair and solid program can provide qualified applicants with affordable, fixed rate loans specifically for use in fertility treatment. Patients may apply online, over the phone, or by fax and receive a loan decision in the privacy of their own homes. Upon approval, the patient signs a release that will authorize the funds to be used for treatmnt. Loans can be small or large, depending on the patient's medical needs and credit standing. They have an online payment calculator that can give you an idea of how much your monthly payments would cost. You can look into this option at their website.

Creative Resourcefulness

For example, the manufacturers of fertility drugs usually allot a certain percentage of money annually for patients in need. Most patients find that medications make up the bulk of their treatment expense. You can find out the details for each company on their respective websites:

• Serono Inc.
• Organon - International
• Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc

Another source for discount may be the pharmacy itself. While large chains will be unable to assist you in general, smaller independent pharmacists do occasionally have the ability to negotiate. It never hurts to ask! Two of the largest US fertility medications pharmacies work to make things easier for the consumer. Freedom Drug offers a program through Lynnfield Compounding Center to assist qualifying applicants. IvpCare contracts with DesignRx to help patients without insurance coverage.

A host of newer options that serve uninsured or under- insured patients for all kinds of medical conditions are the myriad prescription discount services. These various prescription plans work by doing the negotiating for you with selected drug providers. Two examples of these discount drug programs are The Peoples Prescription Plan and the Together RX Access Card.

The Partnership for Prescription Assistance is a collaboration by pharmaceutical companies, doctors, and patient advocate groups to assist qualifying patients in finding resources to help them meet their prescription medication needs. You can contact them online or by calling 1-888-4PPA-NOW.

Finally, the patient advocacy organization called INCIID has a limited grant program for IVF therapy. To apply, you must first become a member of the group, which includes an annual membership fee, then submit a letter from your physician documenting need, along with financial documentation. See their website for details.

Analyzing the Cost-Benefit

We encourage all of our patients to weigh the costs and benefits of assisted reproductive technology. We understand that hard choices must often be made. We also know that if one were to ask former patients- turned-parents if their struggle was worthwhile, the only answer you'd likely hear is "Yes". Let us know your concerns. My staff and I will do all we can to work for your dreams.

Sincerely,

Sonja B. Kristiansen, MD