Anonymous wrote:what is the exchange and is there a website where I can find more info? thank you!

The exchange is your state healthcare exchange set up under the Affordable Care Act. I just googled it and I think this is it for Maryland but I've never lived there so that's all I know: https://www.marylandhealthconnection.gov/. It's the way you can still get insurance even if your job doesn't offer it (but it may not always be the best option for folks, but it DOES cover more IVF related things because of Maryland's more useful laws in that regard).

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here--Thank you for the info! That does seem like the thing that makes sense. Do you know how much insurance on the exchanges typically cover? I understand there is a Maryland law about covering IVF and I think we meet the criteria but I can't find anywhere that says how much they have to cover.

does anyone know what the criteria is for IVF coverage in MD with the new law? Thanks again!

Straight couple has to have been trying to conceive for 6 months without success. Single women or lesbians need 3 IUIs before they receive IVF coverage. (I believe that difference is discriminatory especially since donor sperm costs thousands of dollars, which insurance will not cover. But oh well.)

Anonymous wrote:OP here--Thank you for the info! That does seem like the thing that makes sense. Do you know how much insurance on the exchanges typically cover? I understand there is a Maryland law about covering IVF and I think we meet the criteria but I can't find anywhere that says how much they have to cover.

does anyone know what the criteria is for IVF coverage in MD with the new law? Thanks again!

what is the exchange and is there a website where I can find more info? thank you!

Also just FYI a friendly reminder that ACA subsidies expire soon for Exchange plans, not sure if this will affect anyone here but here's some info from Kaiser: https://www.kff.org/policy-watch/falling-off-the-subsidy-cliff-how-aca-premiums-would-change-for-people-losing-rescue-plan-subsidies/

Insurance on the exchange will vary based on a few factors, including age, so this will only be somewhat helpful. I'm 41 and my BCBS premium is $350/month. I've done 2 retrievals at CCRM (plus a canceled cycle) and across all three, have only paid about $1100 for meds. The way the insurance is set up is they don't count an ivf cycle as complete until you do a transfer, so you can bank embryos, which is pretty amazing. But, it's also designed for fresh transfers, so anything to do with freezing, thawing, and PGT testing isn't covered. I've had copays for monitoring, etc, but so far, everything is very reasonable. We've had a variety of insurances across our journey, including Progyny, and the plan from the exchange is among the best.

Unless you have a qualifying event, I don't think you can purchase insurance until the fall, to start January 1, 2023.

Hope this is helpful!

Anonymous wrote:Care first on the exchange was $250/month for me (34F) and each IVF cycle at SGF was going to be $10k. That did not include diagnostics, prescriptions or freezing fee.

This is very interesting since I'm also a 34F - that's comparable to what I'm paying out of pocket for egg freezing in DC (I assume it will be more with the meds when all is said and done probably closer to $15k).

Care first on the exchange was $250/month for me (34F) and each IVF cycle at SGF was going to be $10k. That did not include diagnostics, prescriptions or freezing fee.

I found that Kaiser platinumon the exchange was very cheap for the ivf
The premiums were about 400 per month.
Each plan varies in how much they cover

Shady Grove has a shared risk program if you’re paying OOP.

It was around 600 a month for the premium and then in total about 9K per cycle with insurance. I think between the copays for visits and ultrasounds (like 50 bucks a pop!). So obviously a lot cheaper than no insurance but unfortunately not as affordable as I had hoped.

OP here--Thank you for the info! That does seem like the thing that makes sense. Do you know how much insurance on the exchanges typically cover? I understand there is a Maryland law about covering IVF and I think we meet the criteria but I can't find anywhere that says how much they have to cover.

Federal insurance doesn’t cover IVF, even if you live in Maryland. You will need to buy insurance on the exchange.

I am 33 years old and after numerous failed IUI attempts, I am starting to look into IVF and bracing myself for the sticker shock. I have a federal Kaiser plan and am going to Shady Grover Fertility. Would anyone mind sharing how much ivf cost (even if you have a different insurance, I am interested in the range)? Thanks so much!