Transferring to Kaiser HMO and Infertility Coverage

[Anonymous]

It's my company's annual enrollment period and I'm thinking about changing my medical insurance to Kaiser Permanente because they cover 50% of the cost of infertility treatments, including 3 cycles of IVF. Does anyone have experience with infertility treatments using insurance with Kaiser and did you encounter any difficulties with Kaiser granting infertility coverage?

I've already had a couple of IUI cycles and assume that they will require me to obtain the requisite referrals but have concern that they will make it difficult for me. My other option would be to increase my coverage with Aetna for 100% coverage for IUI treatments only.

[Anonymous]

Where did you find out that Kaiser covers any infertility? I have Kaiser, and when I went in to discuss, my OB said that they literally do not cover anything. I wanted to have just some initial bloodwork done, and I wound up getting a bill for $500 because it was supposed part of an infertility work up, even though it was just basic blood work that my OB ordered. Crazy. I really don't think they cover anything....

[Anonymous]

I had Kaiser awhile back and did IVF. At that time, they covered 50% of the negotiated IVF with Shady Grove. You also paid 50% of the meds, which were pretty pricey. If you are a Fed, the better deal is to go with MD IPA which has 50% IVF coverage, and the meds for the cycle will only cost ~$150.

[Anonymous]

hello, it's your employeer who decides what procedures to cover, not the insurance company