What's covered?

[stevie]

Hi everyone!

Just wondering if anyone can tell me how I can find out what fertility treatment costs are or aren't covered by my province's (Manitoba) health plan? I know some of the initial exams, etc are but how can I find out specifics? Or do I just have to wait until my dr tells me? What have your experiences been?

Any help would be appreciated. Have a great day!

[Catwoman2005]

I'm in Ontario and I have had an HSG and a biopsy which were covered... I have been recommended for IUI's and they are not covered... Over $100 each try... I believe that IVF isn't covered either... I'm still looking into what's covered too...

Hope this helps a little... There should be a Manitoba Health web site that might help...

Good luck...

[LadyBugg]

Hi,

I'm in Alberta and all doctor's visits, bloodwork and procedures like ultrasounds and my HSG were covered here. My iui's were not and IVF is not. Same with any and all fertility meds.

HTH. Good luck to you.

[BeetleGirl]

Hi Stevie,
Each province covers the testing for infertility but none of the procedures to get pregnant. Ontario does cover a limited amount of IVF cycles but unless you have blocked tubes it doesn't help those of us with PCOS.
There are loop holes that many doctors don't tell you about like in Ontario if you do an IUI cycle and accidently over stimulate The clinic can convert your cycle to an IVF cycle for a very reduced cost.
The best thing is to contact someone at your provincial health care office and find out what you are covered for & don't forget to look into personal health coverage because although many companies don't cover infertility treatments some do and even if it is a limited amount of help any help to pay for treatment is good.
If you are interested in what some of the procedures cost check out the Heartland Fertility clinic website to get an idea of what the current rates of treatment are.
Good Luck.

[stevie]

Thanks Catwoman, Ladybug and Beetlegirl! I have looked at the Heartland site but wasn't sure if the costs were for out of country since they mention that a few times. I'll look again for the website from the prov gov which will maybe give more info.

Have a great evening!

[BeetleGirl]

Hi Again Stevie,
Since the Heart land website states...
* Unfortunately, due to changes in insurance coverage we are currently unable out accept out of country patients. At this time, we are attempting to find a solution so that we may again offer our services to out of country patients.
I am assuming the prices are for Canadians since they don't accept out of country patients.

As well you may also want to check out this link
I came across it on another board and it may answer some of the questions you are wonding about.

[stevie]

Thanks Beetlegirl. I'll check it out.

[Canadian Kokopelli]

Stevie, I'm in Manitoba as well. Like Beetle said, they tend to cover almost all testing procedures but nothing beyond that. My HSG and DH's SA was covered but when we were moving toward IUI, we were going to have to pay for that. MB health did cover the consultation fee to Heartland though.

[byatchette]

Hiya Stevie,

I went to Heartland as well, and all of my doc visits, blood work, and first consultation were covered by Manitoba Health. I had two Ultrasounds that I had to pay for and any fertility meds that were perscribed to me were paid by me as well. Luckily, my work benefit plan covered the drug end of it, but the ultrasound tray fees were not.

[stevie]

Thanks Kokopelli and Tracey. It's good to hear from people here in MB. I'm thinking about asking for a referral to Heartland. Would you recomend the clinic?

Tracy - I was surprised that the ultrasounds were not covered. If you don't mind me asking, what were they for? I hope I'm not being too nosey.

Stevie

[byatchette]

Hiya Stevie,

I would recommend Heartland. I was seeing Dr. Lee, and he was the sweetest doctor! Quite funny when he told DH and I to have sex, sex, sex! LOL

I guess doctor ordered ultrasounds done in the hospital for when you're pregnant, or when you have something wrong with you are covered, but the doctor office ones were not, probably because they're a fertility clinic. I have no idea why my work benefit plan didn't pay for it...they didn't give me a reason.

The first one that I had done was to check my lining and whatnot (I think I was on CD18 and he was checking to see if I had ovulated yet or not. The second one was to confirm my pregnancy at 6wks

Whereabouts in MB are you, if you don't mind me asking?

[stevie]

Hi Tracy

Thanks for the info. I live 2 hours north of winnipeg in a small community. My doctor is in Wpg.

Stevie