fertility treatment coverage

Your insurance coverage can significantly impact your treatment decisions. It may determine how many in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles you can attempt or the comprehensiveness of the diagnostic process. Many couples find it maddening that a third party can have such a significant impact on this very personal part of their lives.

It is also frustrating that infertility is not always recognized as a legitimate medical condition that is worthy of insurance coverage. The United States does not yet have federal legislation that ensures coverage for fertility treatment. As a result insurance coverage for diagnosis and treatment varies from state to state. For example, in some states only IVF is covered while in others coverage for IVF is specifically exclude from policies. Some major employers are beginning to see the importance of including a fertility benefit as part of their overall benefit philosophy, you may want to share the Employer Guide on Fertility Benefits with your organization's benefit department.

It is important to be proactive. Educate yourself until you understand exactly what is available in your state and what you are eligible to receive. This section tells you how to gather information about your coverage and clarifies the insurance laws in this country.