As if dealing with all things fertility-related weren't bad enough--the despair, the humiliation, the way it tends to take over your life--there's also the financial component, which is huge. Now, we're not rich; we have a comfortable life, but anyone who's done even the tiniest bit of research into fertility treatments knows that the money is just scary: $1,000 here, $12,000 there, etc.
I thought that there was a bit of light at the end of our tunnel because of the New York State mandated coverage for fertility, which covers everything except IVF (okay, that's a pretty big exception, but still). Now, when I read about this coverage, I was relieved, and even though it was open enrollment period for my husband's office (through which we're insured), I didn't do any research into the other insurance plans offered through his office. I know I should have, but I just couldn't deal--none of the insurance overviews say anything about fertility which means endless phone calls with people that I just wasn't free to make from my open cubicle at my office ("What did you say, you cover intrauterine insemination but not intracervical insemination?" Ugh--no thank you).
So, today I bit the bullet and, as we're gearing up for IUI #1, called the insurance company to try to figure out exactly what we're covered for, and the answer is a resounding nothing. They cover diagnostic procedures, but not IUIs, and we're not covered under the New York State mandate anyway, because--even though my husband's company was founded in New York, is based in New York, and in fact has the words "New York" as part of its name, apparently it's categorized as a national entity with an ASO (Assholes Served Only?) plan, which means we're out of luck. I'm so mad--at myself, at the plan, at the world--I could spit.
Just letting you know, you have a new reader!
Looking foward to your journey...good..bad..up or down....I'll be right here....trying to get pregnant too & feeling better that I am not alone in this misery!
Posted by: Simone | January 22, 2004 at 12:14 AM
Thanks Simone and good luck to you! It's nice to have company on the joyous journey that is TTC!
Posted by: Lisa | January 22, 2004 at 02:32 PM
Lisa,
So glad to have found you! Best of luck on your cycle. I'm sorry the insurance has been so difficult, but believe me, I understand your hesitation to find out the details. My insurance was great for the first IUI, but I haven't even called to find out if they will cover my next one... and now it's too late so I think I'll deal with that another day! We just have too much too think about.
Posted by: Monica | January 24, 2004 at 12:19 PM
Ugh, insurance. Man I hate dealing with insurance issues. I think they just like to find ways to f*** people!! Ironically the few times we've had insurance coverage for infertility we haven't needed it! Go figure! So we've paid our dues both emotionally, monitarily and every other way.
Good luck again and again!
Posted by: Heidi | February 05, 2004 at 01:57 AM
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Posted by: revealing | November 15, 2005 at 08:09 AM