I can barely function today....please read...

I am 36 and DH is 37. We've been trying for about 5 months and no luck. I went to an RE just to make sure that everything was okay. It turns out, my AMH test came back low (where your egg quality is tested). DH also tested for low sperm count and below average sperm motility.......

My HSG test came back fine (at least, that's a plus). The RE doctor wants to treat me aggressively, by getting ultrasounds and hormone injections. If that doesn't work, he mentioned IUI and IVF.

I just found out today by calling my insurance company, that NO INFERTILITY TREATMENTS ARE COVERED. I just assumed it would be, and I'm kicking myself for not calling before I had the HSG test done (which I'm sure is very expensive). I am so depressed right now I can't even tell you. Not only are we "reproductively challenged", but we can't afford to do anything about it.

I am trying desperately not to cry at my desk here. DH says that I should sign up for health insurance through my job since it DOES cover infertility (up to $25,000). HOWEVER, the enrollment period passed (it was last month) and I have to wait until next year to enroll. Great. Then I'll be another year older, my eggs will be even worse......I am so depressed and weepy.

I am also trying to tell myself that there are women out there who have it much worse than me.....trying to put everything in perspective.....it's just hard not to feel sorry for myself right now.

Re: I can barely function today....please read...

First of all...there are IVF grants that are available. You may qualify for one of them and if you aren't covered for anything IVF may be the way to go as it's the most effective treatment.
You will still have to pay some $$$ out of pocket, but maybe you can borrow that money from someone or take a loan.
As far as the HSG, that is diagnostic so if they try not to cover it, you should fight it. You should be able to get that covered.
Also, talk to your boss or HR dept. about insuring you retroactively. They may be able to do that and then you don't have to wait.

Good luck.

Re: I can barely function today....please read...

I agree with Gerty. Also look into if you drop your husbands policy that may be considered a loss of coverage in which case you can get your insurance. Talk to your HR person and explain that you are covered under your husband but there are some benefits not included an dyou're wondering how it works if you wanted to drop his and get yours

Re: I can barely function today....please read...

I'm sorry you have to go through this.
But I agree with Gerty and Melijane...call your HR rep and see if you can enroll. They may make an exception especially since the enrollement period just ended last month. There are also IVF grants, payment plans and other options available. Good Luck!

Re: I can barely function today....please read...

im so sorry

Re: I can barely function today....please read...

GErty is right - there are grants available.. and where there's a will....I'm sorry you ahve to go through this though

Re: I can barely function today....please read...

I'm so sorry you are going through this...I agree with the others, there are lots of things you can do to pay for treatment and definitely ask about the insurance issue. I also agree that you should consider doing IVF/ICSI right away as that has the highest success rate especially with your male factor and you won't waste time/$$ with other treatment that may not work.

Best of luck to you...

Re: I can barely function today....please read...

I am so sorry Michelle. But the other ladies are right. There are options for you and it can happen.

Re: I can barely function today....please read...

Sorry about the news but at least you didn't wait longer to see the RE. The HSG usually costs around $800 out of pocket, from what I understand, but argue the coverage with the insurance company. If not, maybe you can pay out of pocket and have ins. reimburse you for some of it. I also agree with talking with HR at your company and looking into IVF funding options. We're here for you!

Re: I can barely function today....please read...

I just wanted to say I am sorry for your pain. You have to stay positive. I would definetely go to the HR dept.
Chin up!!

Re: I can barely function today....please read...

Call your benefits department again and ask if you can still change your coverage election.

Message edited 10/10/2007 7:03:14 PM.

Re: I can barely function today....please read...

I agree with everyone!! My HSG wasnt covered either but I filed a claim and managed to get some of the money back.

Re: I can barely function today....please read...

I am so sorry, Michele. I agree with what the other ladies have said.

Re: I can barely function today....please read...

I agree with everyone. You have no idea what the insurance company is going to do unless you ask.

Unfortunately, if you can't switch for whatever reason, you may want to wait until January and getting on your DH's insurance before starting anything.

Re: I can barely function today....please read...

I'm so sorry. The same thing happened to us, we both have "great" insurance, but found out that mine covers NOTHING and his *might* cover IUI but since I will be secondary on his and mine doesn't cover it they don't have to cover it. For us, after letting it sink in for a little bit (and trust me, I was hysterical for a few days) we decided if we have to do IVF we will take out a small loan and it will be like another car payment. Yeah, it stinks and it's not fair, but we want a baby more then anything and are willing to make some financial sacrifices. But I have to agree with the other ladies, fight your heart out to get on your companies insurance!! Where there is a will, there is a way

Re: I can barely function today....please read...

Definitely ask your company about special circumstances because they might work with you. I'm sorry about all of that news but tray and stay positive. Good luck!

Message edited 10/11/2007 10:13:14 AM.

Re: I can barely function today....please read...

Thank you ladies, for all of your kind words and support.....I mean that......

I can switch on January 1st and will have full coverage for infertility treatments. I'll just have to be patient for a few months and deal with it...It has just been a horrible last few days after hearing my test results, DH's test results, then finding out I didn't have coverage....things come in 3's......

Thank you again!

Re: I can barely function today....please read...

I'm sorry you are going through this! It totally su@ks that during this emotional time money becomes such an issue.

Good Luck!