Starting the IVF process...

At this point, DH and I are happy that we even have the "opportunity" to try IVF. At one point, we were pretty hopeless that we'd have the chance at all. We are grateful.

We have decided to start our cycle sometime in October even though we got the go ahead to start in July. We are using this time to get our finances in order, and decide where the heck we are getting 20K or so from.

My question/comment is this: IVF is a serious thing. Possibly one of the biggest things you will be involved with in your life. Are we the only ones out there gathering information on our 401K, researching 0% credit cards, seeing if any investments are liquid, applying for a grant, etc. Taking some time before we start this big step? Are we weird?? Because the last time we saw the RE he said okay, call when you get your period like its no big deal....of course we are anxious to start but there is not that much money in the bank, nor could we just tell work next week we are going to be out sporadically, etc.

Is it just us? How did you start your process?

Re: Starting the IVF process...

I would like to know this as well.

I have an idea about where the out of pocket money will come from but I plan on handing over a 0% card for the cycle, submitting it right away for reimbursment and paying it off.

How does one start?

Re: Starting the IVF process...

No experience with your specific situation, but I wanted to wish you the BEST of luck!!! I just went through my first IVF cycle, so feel free to ask questions when the time comes!!

Message edited 8/5/2008 9:25:54 PM.

Re: Starting the IVF process...

Posted by babyquestion

No experience with your specific situation, but I wanted to wish you the BEST of luck!!! I just went through my first IVF cycle, so feel free to ask questions when the time comes!!

Re: Starting the IVF process...

we're not going to wait. I don't have time on my side. I'm 41 so time is of the essence.

I would like to get this done before I'm 42.

Re: Starting the IVF process...

I don't have any financial advice for you, just wanted to wish you the best of luck. Does your insurance cover any part of it?

Re: Starting the IVF process...

Looks like we'll be cycling together We're starting in October too. My RE requires a one month break and said we could start in September, but we're travelling for 3 weeks then so we'll start when we get back.

Yes, I think of this as a HUGE deal and I don't tread lightly going into this process. DH and I have talked at length about how to fund IVF, whether we use a 0% interest card, my dividend miles card, our savings, or whether we should just wait until January so we can max out on our healthcare savings account. Ultimately we decided time is of the essence, so we aren't waiting, and I think I'll just end up using my dividend miles card and will pay it off over time.

Re: Starting the IVF process...

Yeah, i'm all into using credit cards with reward points. Also, if your insurance doesn't cover IVF, you may be able to get a detailed billing from the Finance dept and try to submit some of the b/w and u/s for reimbursement.

I'm always scared to use the loan option on the 401k, because if you were to leave your job you would not be able to until that loan was paid off. I just never wanted to be tied to the company like that.

Our meds also were covered through our insurance, so check into that also. Actually, I didn't know that would happen so I didn't check beforehand, but that could save like $4k.

Also, see if your RE's finance department has any funds left on the grant or if they will do a payment plan.

We didn't wait either. I am 40 and its almost 3 years that we have been TTC. We are fortunate to have our own business and we can put med expenses through as a write off. Of course you still have to make the money to pay for it. So, I charged on our corp cc.

Good luck.

Re: Starting the IVF process...

My meds were covered as Beth Ann said. I liquidated an IRA I had and am sure I will get hit at tax time, but it was definitely worth it. Did you look into the NYS infertility grant?

Re: Starting the IVF process...

Posted by Bxgell2

Looks like we'll be cycling together We're starting in October too. My RE requires a one month break and said we could start in September, but we're travelling for 3 weeks then so we'll start when we get back.

Yes, I think of this as a HUGE deal and I don't tread lightly going into this process. DH and I have talked at length about how to fund IVF, whether we use a 0% interest card, my dividend miles card, our savings, or whether we should just wait until January so we can max out on our healthcare savings account. Ultimately we decided time is of the essence, so we aren't waiting, and I think I'll just end up using my dividend miles card and will pay it off over time.

Re: Starting the IVF process...

Re: Starting the IVF process...

I'm having my IVF consult tomorrow and have no coverage either, so I know how you feel.