How Much Did Your IVF Meds Cost? - No Health Insurance Coverage

[Anonymous]

I'm going to be starting IVF in a couple of months because of male factor. From what I've been told by my RE at SG, I'm going to be given the "standard" first time IVF protocol (BCPs, Lupron, stimulation etc). My health insurance does not cover the cost of the medications. For those in the same situation, how much did you spend on your medications per cycle?

All replies much appreciated!

[Anonymous]

mine were around 3K -- all out of pocket -- Lupron, Bravelle and progesterone (suppositories -- the latter were covered)

[Anonymous]

What insurance do you have? I have BCBS, and although technically they do not cover IVF meds, they did cover the BCPs, estrace, progesterone, and antibiotics (I did have small co-pays). You should call your insurance company and ask specifically about each med on your list.

I would recommend ivfmeds.com for the IVF drugs, which is based in Europe and is less expensive than any U.S. pharmacy. You do need to order ahead of time (12 days for the cheaper shipping charge and a few days for the more expensive shipping), but other than that they are easy to deal with and just as nice and responsive as the U.S. mail order pharmacies that I've used.

Then I would price out several U.S. mail order pharmacies so you know who has the best prices for the meds you need, in case your cycle goes longer than expected and you need to order more and get them overnight. Shrafts and Alexanders are probably your best bets for Bravelle, although Alexanders has a charge if you want overnight delivery.

Really, if your out of pocket it pays to shop around.

[Anonymous]

OP here...thank you all so much for your help/advice. I have United Healthcare and I know they will pick up the BCPs and antibiotics but they won't cover the hormones or fertility meds. I will definitely shop around once I know what I'll be taking.

[Anonymous]

Also, be sure your RE knows that you don't have rx coverage. My RE said that all the drugs would work the same way for us, so he's going to put me on Bravelle since he said that is the cheapest. Good luck!!!

[Anonymous]

I had to pay out of pcoket for everything but my insurance (United Healthcare) covered (I paid just co pays) the antibiotics, BCP's, Lupron and PIO. Apparently Lupron and PIO are used for other medical reasons other than fertility reasons. I was on the lowest dosage of meds so my meds were just under $2k.

[Anonymous]

If you end up needing Follistim, I have an unused, refrigerated 900 IU vial, and the pen, that I'm selling back cheaply through my doc's office to anyone who may need it. If you're interested, shoot me an email to [e-mail]