When i started wotking in the infertility field at the University of California in 1988, that was the beginning of a new era of ART (assisted reproductive technoloogies). IVF (invitro fertilization) was considered experimental as a consequence it was not covered or a benefit by any insurance company. It meant that every patient had to pay out of pocket. At that time it was very coventient for insurance companies because infetility was not a medical condition. Patients would pay for the treatment and take their child home at no cost for insurance companies.
Now a days, the situation has changed, partially. Insurance companies have rules when to cover the services if they are deemed necassary. Illinois law requires insurance companies to provide infertility coverage to employee groups on more than 25 employees. Some insurance groups have put limits to coverage for only diagnostic testing, lfetime maximuims, cycle limitations, and a lot of them predetermination is required. Leaving some people without the benefit of the coverage.
The field of reproductive medicine has advanced in a way that almost always, in one way or another, you can conceive. In-vitro fertilization, intrauterine inseminations, oocyte donations, ICSI, PGD testing, surrogates, sperm donation and frozen embryo cycles have all created a territory that if you are financially able to afford it, more than likely you will get pregnant and take your baby home.
Nobody says it is an easy journey. It is a financial and emotional investment. Sometimes you will not be able to conceive and get pregnant on the first attempt. We still reach up to a 60% treatment rate with IVF (in-vitro fertilization). Some fertility clinics will work with you through a lending company if your insurance does not cover the infertility benefits. In Daniel A. Rostein M.D., S.C., besides the fact that we are able to do all of the above treatments, we will try our best to help any patient financially in-house.
We are not a financial institution. We will not give you the extended payments like a financial institution or a financial company. As a physician, I want to help. There being no interest rate paid for our help.
