Navigating Fertility Insurance Coverage in Indiana

Posted on November 22, 2024 by Inception Fertility

Financing fertility treatment can be a significant challenge for many hopeful families. Since most health insurance coverage is provided through employers, navigating fertility treatment often starts with reviewing your workplace benefits.

While there is no fertility insurance coverage mandate in Indiana, some employers voluntarily offer fertility treatment coverage as part of their health insurance packages. More than 4 in 10 U.S. employers (42%) now offer fertility benefits in 2024—up from 40% in 2022 and 30% in 2020, according to a recent report from the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP)

The availability of egg freezing as a fertility benefit has also increased over the past eight years, with 16% of employers now offering the benefit, up from just 2% in 2016.

Talking to Your Employer About Fertility Care Coverage

To find out if your health plan covers fertility treatment, contact your human resources department or call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card. When inquiring, don’t just ask if coverage exists—be sure to dig deeper by asking the following:

  • Which specific plans, if any, offer fertility coverage? This is particularly important during open enrollment if you’re considering switching plans.

  • Are there waiting periods before benefits can be accessed?

  • What procedures are covered, and are there any age limits on coverage?

  • What policy exclusions, if any, exist?

Even if your plan includes fertility coverage, it may not cover all treatment-related costs. To ensure clarity, do the following:

  • Request a written copy of the plan for careful review.

  • Understand your deductible, what applies to it, co-payments, and which providers are in-network.

  • Confirm whether pre-authorizations are required for treatments and learn about the process.

  • Periodically review your plan throughout treatment to stay informed about coverage changes and what costs you'll need to cover.

Our financial counselors at IFI can help guide you through your insurance plan and understand your benefits. This valuable resource ensures you don’t have to navigate the complexities of coverage alone!

What If Your Employer Doesn’t Offer Fertility Insurance Coverage?

If fertility coverage isn’t currently included, consider advocating for it. The case for offering fertility benefits is compelling—the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 1 in 6 individuals are impacted by infertility, globally. Offering fertility coverage can support employees without significantly increasing insurance premiums. In fact, by providing more comprehensive fertility coverage, employers may help reduce overall costs by allowing patients to make decisions based on medical needs rather than financial constraints.

RESOLVE, the national infertility association, offers resources to guide your conversation with your employer, including a sample letter to request coverage and information for both employees and employers.

As with all aspects of your fertility journey, being informed and proactive is key. If you need assistance, we are here to help.

Fertility Insurance Coverage FAQs

How do I know if I have fertility treatment coverage?
To find out if your health plan covers fertility treatment, review your policy or contact your insurance provider. Look for specific details about fertility treatments and coverage limitations.

Can I pay for fertility treatment out of pocket?
Yes, fertility treatments can be paid for out of pocket, and costs will vary depending on the type of treatment and other factors.

Are there alternatives for financing fertility treatment?
At Indiana Fertility Institute, we offer a variety of financing options to help reduce the financial burden of fertility treatment. Through our partnership with Bundl Fertility™, patients can combine multiple treatment cycles into one package for a reduced upfront cost. If your treatment isn’t successful, you may be eligible to recoup some or all of your investment. Additional financing solutions are available through Future Family, Lending Club, CapexMD, and PatientFi.

Learn More About Fertility Insurance Coverage in Indiana

If you’re considering fertility care and want to explore your insurance options, the team at Indiana Fertility Institute is here to help. Our team is committed to providing exceptional fertility care and guiding you through your coverage options to maximize your benefits. To learn more about fertility care and insurance coverage, contact us today!

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