Infertility, Cancer, Tamoxifen, and Insurance

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KrisLiz
KrisLiz Member Posts: 26
edited June 2014 in Young With Breast Cancer


Okay, so I'm about one year out from my BC dx and just had my exchange surgery in September. Prior to all that, my husband and I had tried to have children for about 6 years (with no success and a multitude of treatments). Now that I'm past (fingers crossed) all the cancer stuff and am able to actually think about something other than surgeries, radiation, etc, etc, I'm thinking about coming off Tamoxifen to try to have kids sometime in the next year. Because of all the infertility mess before BC, my OBGYN thinks that IVF is the only way to go so everything can be timed and precise. She seems to think that it's possible to get insurance to cover the IVF because now it is medically necessary for me instead of a "choice". ...Hopefully that explanation made sense.


...All that to ask...Has anyone else every had this experience? Is it possible that insurance would now cover IVF treatments? Cost was the only prohibiting factor for us before, so if this is a possibility it would be life-changing for my husband and me.


I'm going back to my MO today for my 6 month check-in, and I'm going to ask about going off the Tamoxifen, but any insight from any of you ladies who've been down this road would be GREATLY appreciated!!


:)

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  • MiniMacsMom
    MiniMacsMom Member Posts: 595
    edited November 2013

    Livrstrong can help with ivf costs.  They have a program if u use participating providers one round of the ivf drugs and a 25% discount!

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  • josgirl
    josgirl Member Posts: 231
    edited November 2013

    I echo MiniMacs - I used Fertile Hope (it is the 'department' of livestrong that helps fund fertility treatments for cancer patients and survivors.  It provides all (most) of the meds for free and a big discount on the services (ranges from factility to facility I think).  And it helps with storage costs (eggs, embryos) too - if you are interested in that.  It was a miracle for me as I know you know what the IVF stuff costs.  I don't know anything about insurance covering once treatment is over but I would imagine with all the madness of the insurance changes and your individual plans there is a lot up to variation.  With bc I have gotten very comfortable talking to my insurance on the phone - call them and ask...also IVF may not be covered but a lot of the time certain services and prescriptions might be with the right referral (since this is cancer related not like before).  Push the ins - I bet a lot more can be covered even if the IVF itself is not.  But check fertile hope - they were awesome!

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  • GraceBer
    GraceBer Member Posts: 43
    edited November 2013


    Wow! This is amazing information. I was just diagnosed and on top of all the other worries, I'm also really sad and angry that this is coming just as my husband and I have decided to start trying soon. We'll be seeing a fertility expert about our options, but knowing there are resources for IVF help makes the whole seem just a bit more doable.

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