LOWER YOUR INFERTILITY COSTS (Part VI) Fertility Medications; Negotiations

LOWER YOUR INFERTILITY COSTS (Part VI)

·      Fertility Medications

·      Negotiations

Fertility Medications- “Injectables”: How to Save Money

$          Most local pharmacies do not carry fertility medications, especially the injectables. Healy pharmacy is an exception.

$          Prices vary from pharmacy to pharmacy and can often be obtained for less online or through mail order.

$          It pays to shop around, do your homework … look at Freedom Drug and look at Walgreen’s specialty pharmacy or Healy pharmacy.

$ 

            Freedom Drug           www.Freedomfertilty.com

            Walgreen’s                www.Walgreenspecialtyrx.com

            Village Pharmacy      www.VillagePharmacy.com

            Healy Pharmacy       www.HealyPharmacy.com

How to Save Money

$          There isn’t much that can be done to offset some of these very high costs for injectable medications. If you’re going through infertility treatments, the medications are a must. 

Ask your doctor for freebies … you may be a very grateful recipient of donated medications since many patients donate their drugs once they achieve pregnancy.

$          Some doctors are very comfortable accepting leftover medications from patients and re-distributing them to other patients … but unfortunately, not all doctors will do this. Doesn’t hurt to ask!

$             Serono offers a ‘medication scholarship’ called Compassionate Care which gives away millions of dollars in free drugs. Serono’s phone number is 866-538-7879.

$          Ferring has a program called HEART (Helping Expand Access to Reproductive Therapy) program.   Ferring’s phone number is 888-337-7464.

$          We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but purchasing fertility medications from online auctions or classified ads is risky and can be like playing the lottery. 

$          Trying to bring in medication from other countries may be difficult. Even though your bag may not be checked, it is against the law not to properly declare imported medications to customs. Failure to declare products could result in penalties.

Don’t Take ‘No’ for an Answer

Try to Negotiate Some of Your Costs

$          Health care providers negotiate fees and services every day with the insurance companies also known as “payers”. These payers rarely pay the retail rate that the provider might want to charge but instead negotiate with the provider until a mutual rate is agreed upon.

$          It may be worth paying the initial consultation for two different doctors when you can potentially save thousands of dollars.

$          We also know that you want your doctor to like you. You want your doctor to be a source of support and encouragement so follow proper etiquette in discussing fees or charges with your doctor.

Working With Your Employer

$          If your company doesn’t have health insurance benefits that cover infertility, all is not lost. Options include first asking your employer if the company would be willing to provide some type of coverage. Employers can choose to include an ART rider.

$          Make an appointment to see your company benefits representative and come armed with information about the advantages and affordability of offering fertility benefits. 

Nothing is Better Than FREE !!!

Clinical Studies:

§ Free IVF cycles and / or free medications!!!  

§ FCI is the largest infertility practice in the Midwest. We participate in many clinical studies yearly. Go to FCI homepage www.FCIonline.com  for updates or call my office (Diana D. at 847-215-8899 x 21502) for information about upcoming studies/trials.