First Steps...
So we went for our IVF consult today. So many options to think about. Our hospital is part of ATTAIN, which means we can get money back. But, it breaks down like this:
Option 1: We pay $12,000 for a fresh IVF with the bells and whistles. If it doesn't work (and we're lucky enough to have more embryos frozen), we pay $3000 for frozen IVF. This is not through ATTAIN, just the regular hospital.
Option 2: We pay $18,000, and we get two fresh IVFs and 2 frozen IVFs. However, the process ends with a successful pregnancy, so if it works the first time, that's it. No carry over.
Option 3: $26,000 for three fresh and three frozen rounds, with a 70% refund if none of them end with us taking home a baby. Also no carry over. If it works the first time, then we paid $26,000 for what could have only cost us $12,000.
I'm torn, because I tend to want to be prepared for anything, but at the same time, I don't want to spend $26,000 when I don't need to.
It stinks - we have no idea if my eggs are any good, if our embryos will fertilize, or if any will grow. How many will I make? The only way to know is to jump in and do the procedure. If I do Option 3, that would probably be the only shot I have. If it works the first try...will there be any money left for a second baby?
There's so much going through my mind right now. The doctor and nurse walked me through all the tests - blood work, internal ultrasounds, three different meds every day. Two months of this. It's totally worth it to have a baby. I will do whatever it takes. I'm just scared and overwhelmed. I guess it's just like swimming...hold your nose, close your eyes, and jump in. Then try to keep your head up.
Option 1: We pay $12,000 for a fresh IVF with the bells and whistles. If it doesn't work (and we're lucky enough to have more embryos frozen), we pay $3000 for frozen IVF. This is not through ATTAIN, just the regular hospital.
Option 2: We pay $18,000, and we get two fresh IVFs and 2 frozen IVFs. However, the process ends with a successful pregnancy, so if it works the first time, that's it. No carry over.
Option 3: $26,000 for three fresh and three frozen rounds, with a 70% refund if none of them end with us taking home a baby. Also no carry over. If it works the first time, then we paid $26,000 for what could have only cost us $12,000.
I'm torn, because I tend to want to be prepared for anything, but at the same time, I don't want to spend $26,000 when I don't need to.
It stinks - we have no idea if my eggs are any good, if our embryos will fertilize, or if any will grow. How many will I make? The only way to know is to jump in and do the procedure. If I do Option 3, that would probably be the only shot I have. If it works the first try...will there be any money left for a second baby?
There's so much going through my mind right now. The doctor and nurse walked me through all the tests - blood work, internal ultrasounds, three different meds every day. Two months of this. It's totally worth it to have a baby. I will do whatever it takes. I'm just scared and overwhelmed. I guess it's just like swimming...hold your nose, close your eyes, and jump in. Then try to keep your head up.
Replies
Hey hun. I know how you feel! I am overwhelmed but totally excited. Its so much to take in and digest! When will you officially start everything?
At our clinic we have some options on cost too, but we are taking the rink on the 1 fresh/frozen cycle because we do not have the money to do more. so for us its 9,500 upfront and then up to another 5,000+ with meds(which I already have most of), monitoring, blood tests etc. So we are saying 15,000. Do you know if the options you listed include the monitoring? If so then those are pretty good prices compaired to here. I like your option 2 because it gives you 4 tries and its not too much more than option 1.
I am on BCP now, will do some testing this week or next and officially start everything on the 24th with ER and ET some time in oct!
Good luck!
Thanks! I think I\'ll start the BCP on my next cycle. We just applied for ATTAIN, so we have to see if we\'re even approved before we decide which plan to go with.
As far as I could tell, the prices include everything but meds, and the anesthesia for the ER. Option 2 isn\'t as bad, but still a lot. Nothing is covered by insurance either.
I have become an insurance hater through this process! I do not understand why they do not cover a lot of the stuff the do not. Luckily though they have covered some of my tests (minus copays/dudctibles) and some meds. But now with IVF we are 100% on our own.
You are right even with option 2 not being bad, its still a ton of money! We were saying how with the money we put together for IFV we could be buying a new car (which we really need) or paying down our mortgage by 10%! Its crazy, but hopefully worth it!
Insurance covered nothing we did - consults, IUI, my HSG...even my husband\'s varicocele exams. It\'s awful!