One out of 8 couples face infertility and there is little help to pay for the steep costs associated with fertility treatments, like IVF. As part of National Infertility Awareness Week, we encourage individuals to #startasking about fertility benefits:#StartAsking Employers and Legislators:
- More employers are beginning to offer family benefits, such as paid family leave and even fertility benefits. Studies show that employers are much more likely to consider adding such benefits when employees ask. Ask your HR leader today.
- 15 states currently have legislation benefits for fertility treatments, find out if your state is one of them and if not, ask your state legislator today.
#StartAsking the Right Questions
Unlike saving up for a home or retirement, fertility treatment costs are often unexpected and many couples can’t afford to pay out of pocket. Here are some considerations to help get the most for your time and money:
- Do your research – use sites like SART and Reproductive Facts to be well-informed and help you choose a doctor.
- Seek discounted multi-cycle packages – on average only 48% of women have a baby after only 1 cycle of IVF, by purchasing a discounted multi-cycle package, you can budget for (and finance, if needed) more than one 1 cycle, increasing your chances to have a baby and minimizing your stress. Not all clinics offer these, so make this part of your upfront research as well. To find an ARC member clinic in your area, click here.
#StartAsking about options for paying for infertility treatments:
- In most cases, financing is offered in combination with discounted packages. Clinics may have their own approved lender programs or be part of the ARC network. ARC works closely with lenders to offer competitive rates starting at 4.99% APR.
- Personal loans from your bank or credit union.
- A loan from a family member or friend
