Fertility Treatment Costs In New York

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The costs of fertility treatment vary across the country, however, the average cost of In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is an estimated $12,400 per-cycle, and the cost of intrauterine insemination averages around $1,000 per-cycle. In New York City, the costs associated with IVF range from $7,000 upwards of $13,000. Additional procedures like intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) or preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), and other factors, such as fertility drug costs, fees associated with donor eggs or donor sperm, and any laboratory or facility fees, can increase the cost of treatment. Fortunately for fertility patients in New York City, the State of New York is one of 15 that offers mandated infertility insurance coverage. There are also financing options to offset costs that are not covered by insurance.

Fertility Drug Costs

Depending on your treatment protocol, the costs of fertility drugs can range from $50 to a few thousand dollars. A cycle of Clomid usually consists of 5 pills which cost around $10 per pill. Injectible fertility drugs, called gonadotropins, and other medications can range up to $6,000 per cycle. These costs are in addition to the price of the IUI or IVF treatment.

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) Costs

The fees associated with IUI are initially less than those associated IVF. However, some fertility patients will find they spend more money over the course of several failed IUI cycles compared to the cost of one IVF cycle. It is important to discuss all aspects of treatment with your fertility doctor. IUI is not covered by financial plans at fertility clinics. Keep in mind that medication costs can also increase the total cycle cost of IUI.

IVF Refund Programs, Multi-Cycle Discounts, and IVF Financing Options

Many New York fertility clinics offer an IVF Refund or money back program that allow a fertility patient to pay in advance for a specific number of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. If the patient does not achieve a pregnancy within that number of cycles, she may receive a full or partial refund. Typically, three fresh IVF cycles are included in this package. These programs are a good option for patients who expect to undergo several cycles before achieving a pregnancy. However, there are often age and diagnosis requirements for participating in the program. If a patient gets pregnant on the first attempt, the fertility clinic is entitled to the entire cost (of three cycles paid in advance), therefore the patient will end up paying more for the cost of a single cycle than a traditional fee-for-service cycle.

Some fertility clinics provide reduced cost subsequent cycles to their patients who have not gotten pregnant on their first IVF cycle. The discount can range from a few hundred dollars up to the cost of physician fees, depending on the clinic.

Other financing options are available in the form of loans or grants for fertility treatment. Your New York fertility clinic may have a relationship with a specific financial institution that can help you obtain a loan for fertility treatment expenses. Some organizations offer grants to patients who qualify based on health insurance and income guidelines.

Low-Cost IVF

Treatment protocols like mini-IVF or in vitro maturation (IVM) cost less than a traditional IVF cycle because lower doses of ovarian stimulation fertility drugs are prescribed. Fertility treatment costs can be reduced if a patient partakes in a group IVF cycle (all IVF patients in the clinic cycle at the same times per year).

For patients using donor eggs for their IVF cycle, they can save money by sharing a pool of donor eggs with other couples, or by using a frozen egg bank, which offers the freedom to cycle on your own time as opposed to coordinating a cycle with your donor. Consult your fertility doctor to find out which treatment is best for you.

IVF Research Programs

New York City is the home to many fertility clinics on the cutting edge of reproductive medicine research. Participating in an IVF research program can reduce the costs of fertility treatment; however, it is important to understand the risks and benefits that are associated with participating in a research study. Clinical trials are strictly monitored by the federal government to ensure protection of human subjects. You may qualify for free or reduced cost fertility treatment if you meet the age and diagnosis requirements set forth in the research study protocol. For information on fertility research studies, visit clinicaltrials.gov.

Standard Health Insurance

As mentioned, New York is currently one of 15 states that mandate insurance coverage for fertility treatment; however, the degree of coverage varies depending on your employer’s policy and IVF is not included in the mandate. In New York, fertility patients between the ages of 21 and 44 are covered for surgeries and tests related to infertility, fertility drug costs, ultrasound, blood work, and IUI. You should talk to an insurance company representative and financial advisor at your fertility clinic to verify coverage.

For more information on medications used to treat infertility and additional fertility resources, click here!