Federal Plans and IUI
![[Post New]](/jforum/templates/default/images/icon_minipost_new.gif){kind=icon}
Anonymous
|
For federal employees in search of 2018 Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program, I only found CareFirst BlueChoice to have IUI (6 attempts). None have IVF.
Please let me know if I'm wrong. CareFirst BlueChoice 2018 Brochure: https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/healthcare/plan-information/plan-codes/2018/brochures/73-718.pdf |
Anonymous
Kaiser also covers IUIs at 50%. See page 35 of their brochure. https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/healthcare/plan-information/plan-codes/2018/brochures/73-047.pdf |
Anonymous
|
But I need IVF, is there no hope for insurance coverage?
|
Anonymous
|
Federal employee in DC here. Several of the Blue Cross plans cover IUI this year, but none for IVF. The finance department (and Doctors/Nurses) at the GW MFA infertility/IVF office are very knowelegable and helpful and pointed me in the direction for those plans that do cover IUI. I'm considering for 2018. The CareFirst Blue Cross High, Standard Healthy Blue and HealthyBlue Adv. HDHP plans cover.
https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/healthcare/plan-information/plan-codes/2018/brochures/73-718.pdf |
Anonymous
| Which insurance copay will be less? Kaiser or carefirst? Will they both covers 50% of treatment? |
Anonymous
| For those receiving IUIs that were covered under a FEHB plan, did you use donor sperm? I'm running into trouble where the insurance would cover it if we were a hetero couple and had sperm between us, but won't cover it because we are using donor sperm. At least this is what half the reps I've called have said, the other half say covered. I'm just trying to figure out if I should change from Kaiser to BCBS as we try to start a family this coming year. |
Anonymous
| Thanks for all the replies! I'm not a fed so all of this is confusing and I think I''ll have to have my husband log in and see what options he has. We live in DC and he works in Northern Virginia so I think he is eligible for the regional plans. From my initial research, it looks like Carefirst Bluechoice standard (code 2G5) is available to us but is this the same as Healthyblue? The High option is pretty steep especially if he is not even sold on having a second kid so we would do the standard. I called my current insurance company ( Aetna) and they were unable to tell me if my plan covered IUI and referred me to my employer. My employer was unable to answer that question so I'm frustrated. I'm wondering if I call Columbia Fertility (where I had my last IUIs) if they would be able to help out and tell me if things are covered. IUI has such a low success rate that paying out of pocket seems silly. Why does this have to be so hard? Thanks again for your help! |
Anonymous
| I have been doing IUIs with donor sperm this year and my Kaiser FEHB has covered 50%. |
Anonymous
I think you would be covered under both Kaiser and CareFirst (be careful, it's not BlueCross BlueShield that provides IUI coverage, it's CareFirst BlueChoice) so long as you are in a relationship where each partner is recognized as the spouse of the other (i.e., married.). Also, note that the cost of the collection of sperm might not be covered. |
Anonymous
Yes, CareFirst BlueChoice Standard is Healthyblue. Columbia Fertility might be able to help to determine if you have coverage through your insurance - they are usually pretty good at knowing which plans they accept. |
Anonymous
| OP here. I really appreciate all of the replies! I called Aetna (non Fed) for the second time today and was told they cover 3 IUIs or 3 IVF attempts at 50% over a lifetime. This is what they told me in 2016 and it turned out to be completely wrong. I’ve made 3 calls to the CFA financial counselor because she was so helpful and accurate 2 years ago but haven’t heard back. I am grateful I can get any coverage at all but I don’t understand why this process has to be so difficult and frustrating. Thanks again for all of the information! |
Anonymous
The problem is that is very difficult for anyone to tell you if your non-Fed Aetna plan provides any coverage because such things are very specifically tailored to the plan designed by your employer. It is a bit ridiculous that no one at your work or at Aetna can help you. Do you not have a brochure or any paperwork detailing the benefits you receive through your insurance? I recently called CFA and was put directly through to a financial counselor. Perhaps don't call the one you worked with specifically? Just the general number? |
Anonymous
| I was trying to do research about Fed plans available through my husband's job in case I couldn't get information about mine and got a little sidetracked venting about my employer/Aetna not providing consistent information, so I apologize. I am grateful to all the above posters for helping me to make an informed decision and wish everyone the best! |
Anonymous
| Late to the party, but Carefirst Bluechoice 2018 covers IUI in varying amounts. The high option Bluechoice covers IUI with just a co-pay. The standard option covers IUI at 50% after you have exhausted your deductible. The high deductible plan covers IUI after you've exhausted your deductible with a co-pay. Cost-wise, it's probably more effective to go the high-deductible route, coupled with a health savings account for up to that deductible. |
Anonymous
| Aetna used to cover a good chunk of up to three IUIs per live birth, but it's been a couple years since I used it. In reality I paid meds out of pocket (because their in-house pharmacy was BS), but all the diagnosis and monitoring visits were covered. |