Cost of IVF/Insurance Coverage

One of the questions that I get asked is, "how much is all of this going to cost you." The truth is, we really don't have a hard number. We have a guesstimate but we haven't really asked the question because it's not really a deciding factor for us. Now, don't go thinking that David and I loaded. We've made choices in our lives the last few years that have allowed us to become debt free (with the exception of our home) and we've both decided that we will save every penny we can for this to happen.

I'm sitting here with my EOBs and will give you an estimate of what it has cost us thus far for those initial tests that have been done.

Initial Office Visit: $362
Bloodwork for both Me: $666
Bloodwork for David: $238.50
Sperm Analysis: $175
Vaginal Ultrasound: $200 ** That $666 could include the transvaginal ultrasound procedure and this $200 could just be for the Technician in the room.
Saline Sonogram: $787
Sperm Analysis: $175
IVF class: $35 and this is usually not covered by insurance.
Bloodwork for DNA testing: $37
DNA testing: I was told it was going to be $1800 but I have not received my EOB yet.

When researching online, I found a figure for the median cost of IVF throughout the US which was $8000-$10,000. Now keep in mind that if your insurance covers infertility then you're total cost will be lower. I'm not sure if this number was for the IVF procedure or all tests/procedures prior to the actual IVF.

I haven't done any research for coverage of infertility services with other insurance. David and I are covered by BCBS of North Dakota. We are very fortunate that David's policy covers infertility services. We have a $20,000 lifetime maximum of fertility treatments (per member) and a $500 per member lifetime deductible. After our deductible is met, BCBS will cover the "standard" 80% of services and we will have the "standard" 20% out of pocket expenses. Our insurance will cover all of the procedures and drugs related to our IVF except for the cost of PGD (preimplantation genetic diagnosis). That's the $$ amount that I'm worried about.

I'd suggest that you get to know your insurance policy and get to know it well. Keep in mind that your claims are run by computers and computers DO make mistakes. Some nerdy IT guy has to enter a rules table into the system and that table could be wrong! I have started a file of all of our Explanation of Benefits and bills we've received from the clinic. I also write all of our appointments on a master calendar and what procedure is being done. That way I can reference that when I'm reviewing the EOBs.

I realize that some people might be offended by me listing out the cost of these procedures. People just don't like to talk about money. Please know that my heart is in the right place. I've met so many wonderful people who have Treacher Collins. I want them to be able to read my blog and have all the tools they need when they choose to have children-either through IVF or the old fashioned way.

NOTE: I live in good ole North Dakota. I'm not sure if the prices of services are more or less than other parts of the country....please keep this in mind when reviewing the cost information.