New member

Hi, I just joined this site thanks to a co-worker who told me about the infertility board.

My husband and I have been trying for over a year with a reporductive doctor and are thinking of paying out of pocket for in vitro. I do not have insurance coverage for this but was told by my doctor I can apply for a grant at some point but there are no guarantees that we would get it.

I am so torn about what to do. I am tired of waiting in between inseminations due to cysts and a large part of me just wants to pay the money out of pocket. Then a few hours later I realize the savings will be gone.

What have some of you all done?

I appreciate any help and guidance.

Thanks

Re: New member

Hi & welcome

NSUH in Manhasset offers IVF grants, I'm not sure if you would qualify, but its worth trying

Re: New member

I would definately go for a grant. It does happen. Dm24angel is proof.

Re: New member

Hi and welcome to the boards -may your stay be short and sweet.

After a year of trying, I would suggest seeing an RE (Reproductive Endocrinologist) if you aren't already. NYC has the greatest fertility clinics in the world. There are also some great places on LI, which many of the ladies here can attest to.

Why do you have cysts? What has your Dr. done for you so far? What tests have you had done?

Re: New member

I have been told just to wait for the cysts to go away before we can start the next steps. Someone has done the grant? I can't get my doctor (who is a reproductive endocrinologist) to tell me what it takes to get the grant. I know I have to have 4 failed inseminations and we have to provide our tax returns. Someone here did it? Do they know what is looked at in order to apply for the grant?

By the way, I am seeing Dr. Rosenfeld at North Shore.

Re: New member

Posted by rose825

I would definately go for a grant. It does happen. Dm24angel is proof.

Re: New member

There is also something called shared risk. Where you pay out of pocket which includes 3 IVF cycles and if it doesn't work you get your money back!!I am not sure about the details but it might be worth looking into!!

Re: New member

There are a few grants out there - Columbia offers one, SIRM has their own - NSUH should participate too, that's where dm24angel went.

We had to pay out of pocket because of my age tho. Good luck!

Oh and shared risk is a good idea too if your clinic offers that...

See here: Grant info

More info...study

Message edited 10/12/2006 2:13:12 PM.

Re: New member

Who is SIRM and NSUH? Does that mean I would have to switch places? I am at North Shore in Manhasset and would be upset if I had to start all over again.

I guess I should call and find out if they do the "shared risk" thing?

I am 38 - would that be an issue?

Re: New member

It's shouldn't be because you are paying It's just like an insurance policy!!!
Stay at north shore!!

Re: New member

I have no info on the grant, I just wanted to welcome you to the board and wish you a short stay.

Donna (dm24angel) got pregnant on her first shot of IVF with the grant, so go for it! Not sure about the age limits (I think 38 is fine, though).

Good luck to you!!

Re: New member

Message edited 10/12/2006 2:15:51 PM.

Re: New member

Re: New member

Thank you so much everyone for your help and support! I did call the Dept of Health and found out what their stipulations are for applying for the grant. I need to call NSUH to discuss this with them now. They really didn't go over all of the aspects of the grant at my IVF appt

Re: New member

PS - Kara - you had to go to 3 clinics? Which ones did you go to and which one worked?

Re: New member

I just wanted to welcome you and hope you have a short stay!

Re: New member

Sorry I Didnt see this sooner...

I had an IVF at Northshore last month through the grant program.

We had 13 iui's before we knew that IVF was the next and only option...

We submitted our financial paperwork to the clinic and then met with Dr. Scholl there to approve the medical....which like you said requires at least 4 failed iui's , and things like general health, FSH less then 10. etc....

Once approved you start your cycle and pay a certain amount upfront...we paid 35% of our gross income which included everything from start to finish on the IVF. About $7200 out of pocket.

If you have had the 4 iuis, I would apply ....You can call and speak directly to the IVF grant coordinator...her name is Mary Parker. Just ask for her when you call the main number for the clinic.

Thankfully the grant was all we needed, we got PG...and we had no savings, no other plan etc as backup so I understand the frustration your feeling now.

Any questions you can feel free to FM me.

I will keep you in my prayers!

Message edited 10/12/2006 9:27:12 PM.

Re: New member

Hi WElcome!!!

I sent you a FM. I didnt want to bore the rest of the Girls b/c they all know my story. But, I did send you some info about SIRM and the outcome base program.

I hope your stay is short!

Re: New member

welcome! hope your stay is short.

best of luck with all the decisions you will be facing.