Insurance Coverage for Infertility
I have noticed this is a rarity even in states where some type of infertility coverage is mandated. My husband and I both live and work in Illinois and neither of our companies offer health insurance policies that cover infertility coverage. Gotta love the corporate loopholes!
However, it does not hurt to check! Also, if you are in one of these states where coverage is mandated (Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey or Rhode Island) you should look into securing health insurance through plans in the individual and small group market during open enrollment. You can begin browsing plans here. Open enrollment is currently running through January 31, 2016. If you miss the enrollment period, you would not be eligible for the following year (laws are always changing!) unless you experience a qualifying life event.
As I said above my health insurance coverage does not cover infertility, but almost all of the monitoring ultrasounds were covered. So, be sure to inquire!
SO LOOK NOW!
We have personally decided to secure a policy for 2016. We are doing so because God willing we will have a good embryo(s) to transfer. The policy premiums are pricey and the deductibles/out of pocket maximums are high, but it will still save us some $$$.
In addition, we will retain our health insurance coverage through my employer and cancel the additional policy when no longer necessary (fingers and toes crossed!)
So, YES you can secure a second insurance policy through the Marketplace even if you have or are offered health insurance through your employer. Most likely you will not qualify for a subsidy. However, you can deduct the insurance premiums on your tax return.
Paying almost $700 per month for health insurance does not sound ideal, but when it comes to infertility coverage that's nothing in the grand scheme of things.
Tax Savings
Infertility treatment expenses are tax deductible via IRS Schedule A. This means treatments, prescriptions and travel expenses including mileage (.23 per mile for 2015). You may be laughing at the mileage but it adds up and every penny counts when it comes to this deduction. Once you meet the threshold (10% of AGI) there is more reason to dig for deductions. If a couple makes $100k AGI the tax savings will not kick in until they reach at least 10% of their AGI which would be $10k. Anything above the $10k would qualify for a write off depending on the couples tax bracket.
As you can see to maximize your tax savings, it would be wise to fit as much as you can in one calendar year.
Another, way to save is to maximize your FSA (flex spending account) if you have access to one. The money in your FSA will be pretax dollars and can be used towards medical expenses. Unfortunately, there is a max contribution of $2550. This money is made available to you January 1st which means it is also a small tax free loan of sorts.
Med Savings
Join local infertility Facebook groups where many women "pay it forward" with the meds they have leftover from a cycle. I have personally given away Ganirelix and Menopur after my first cycle.
If you are running low on a med, and only need a very little to get by then check and see if your RE has any donations. I have also donated a 1/4 vial of Follistim to my RE for a woman who needed just a bit before trigger.
There are also discount programs offered by many of the big fertility drug companies. Check into Compassionate Care and First Steps. There are many qualifications that must be met including income thresholds, but it doesn't hurt to try!
Also, look into med rebates. I received a $150 rebate for Follistim.
Do your research, ask around and price different pharmacies.
No comments:
Post a Comment