Insurance

ninja_pup · 07-16-2005, 11:32 AM

I noticed that a lot of you have Blue Cross/Blue Shield and that's what I have. Do you know how much is covered by the insurance for infertility? I am going to start the process to try and get pregnant and just want to be prepared.

cec414 · 07-16-2005, 12:29 PM

I think the insurance also depends on the state of coverage. In FL, infertility is not covered under BCBS, so I would refer to your book of coverage to see what they will treat since you are in TX. I really hope that they do help you pay for it!!!

heather090702 · 07-16-2005, 12:40 PM

We have coverage through MA and EVERYTHING was covered all the way up through IVF. Although we didn't end up needing fertility treatment I was thrilled (actually did a little dance) when I read our book and found out it was all covered just in case we needed it. I will cross my fingers that it is that way for you!

Heather

sweetums · 07-16-2005, 02:50 PM

I have a really hard time understanding the insurance book we have.

I want to know what's covered and what's not also, but they way they word things leaves it to interpretation, you know? Insurance is so frustrating to me!

manders

deblynnc · 07-16-2005, 05:13 PM

We're going to switch to BCBS next month, just waiting for the paper work to go through. We're in NC, and the policy we're getting will cover $5,000 in fertility treatments, but that's only a one time deal.

I agree that you need to check to see what your particular policy offers, and if there are other options available to you. It seems to vary from place to place.

Debbie

Mommy2Trinity · 07-16-2005, 09:57 PM

I had BCBS in New Jersey, and it covered everything, including IVF. I do think it varies state-to-state, though, so be sure and check with your carrier. Your human resources department should have all that information for you, too, but specific questions are best answered by the insurance provider themselves.

VivC · 07-17-2005, 01:12 AM

Depends on the state. Here, insurance has to cover everything except IVF (but Kaiser will cover 3 IVF treatments). I know MA requires a lot, too. I think the northeastern states tend to require more from insurance companies.

You can always call the insurance company customer service line and ask them.

PaintedDaisy · 07-17-2005, 01:39 AM

It also depends on how you get your insurance. If you have group insurance (through a job) then many times your company will dictate to the insurance company what type of coverage they want. So company A may go with BCBS and choose to cover some infertility, but company B, who also goes through BCBS, may choose not to have any infertility covered. This is above and beyond the state mandates, however if your state mandates something be covered, then your employer must make it covered.

If you have individual insurance, then the level of coverage typically coincides with how much your premiums are. If you're willing to spend $1000/month on insurance, then it might cover infertility. But if you're only spending $400/month, then it probably does not.

No matter how you get your insurance, you can always call them up and ask. They'll be able to tell you exactly what kind of plan you have and what is covered. Since there are litterally hundreds of different plans for BCBS, this is the only accurate way to find out. Good luck!

innkeepermommy · 07-18-2005, 03:36 AM

It depends on a whole lot of things.

In California, Blue Cross and Blue Shield are not the same company as in other states.

I have Blue Shield. I had a personal plan. I am now on a group policy (self-employed, own the corporation.) Our policy doesn't cover diddly. However, I haven't even recieved a book to KNOW what my benefits are. I am not a fan of BS, but I didn't have any other choices because I live in the sticks. *sigh* And some coverage is better than NO coverage, but I've had $1000 in bills in the past three months for an ultrasound and blood work-ups, plus over $300 in office co-payments. JOY!

ninja_pup · 07-18-2005, 03:00 PM

I want to thank everyone for their help. From researching, I found they pay for 80%, but they don't pay for IVF.

Kayiena · 07-18-2005, 03:15 PM

Not to steal threads, but this is something I've wondered too...my new insurance will be through Cigna, anyone know anything about them? I know our plan is a nationwide one, its called Open Access Plus, since the company I work for is an international company, they chose the easiest plan for us all. They seem to be a great provider, but I have no idea what they will and won't cover. I can't seem to even find an ob/gyn in town! Weird...