Infertility Tax Deductions

Did you know that you can deduct most of your Infertility Treatment costs that you have paid out of pocket?

What Can Be Included:

OOP Testing
IVF
Embryo Freezing/Storage
IUI
Meds

• Even Over the Counter meds - You cannot include in medical expenses the cost of nutritional supplements, vitamins, herbal supplements, “natural medicines,” etc. unless they are recommended by a medical practitioner as treatment for a specific medical condition diagnosed by a physician. Otherwise, these items are taken to maintain your ordinary good health, and are not for medical care. http://www.irs.gov/publications/p502/ar02.html#en_US_publink1000178934

Mileage for Medical Travel
Parking/Toll Fees acquired during Medical Travel
Ovulation Kits
Pregnancy Tests

Calling All Louisiana Natives

Infertile couples interested in applying for the GIFT of HOPE 2012 can now apply for this award. The GIFT of HOPE is a joint charitable program launched by Fertility & Women's Health Center of Louisiana, Women's & Children's Hospital, and Sheridan Healthcare to help one infertile couple each year overcome the financial barriers to building their family through the gift of one in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle. The combined value of this donated IVF cycle is estimated at $15,000.
Couples interested in applying to the GIFT of HOPE 2012 must meet the following general eligibility criteria:
· Have a documented medical need for in vitro fertilization. A letter explaining this need is required, on letterhead, from their reproductive endocrinologist or gynecologic professional;
· Have a combined gross income of $80,000 a year or less before taxes;
· Are Louisiana residents;
· Have medical insurance coverage which includes prenatal care but does not include coverage for in vitro fertilization;
· Are in a married, stable relationship and consent to counseling prior to treatment.
Applicants must also submit with their application a letter describing, in their own words, the compelling nature of their need for fertility treatment. More information and a downloadable application can be found by accessing http://www.fertilityanswers.com/or calling 337/989-8795. Applications must be received by April 27, 2012.
Since its creation in 2006, eight couples have been awarded the GIFT of HOPE and three babies have been born as a result.
Visit our website, http://www.fertilityanswers.com/ , to read the stories behind each couples' struggles with infertility.

Topics: GIFT of HOPE 2012

Understanding your Insurance Benefits

Health insurance coverage is a complicated subject. Coverage for infertility treatment varies from plan to plan and from insurance company to insurance company. Mosr states do not mandate your insurance company to cover fertility evaluation or treatment . It is very important for you to research what your insurance plan covers in terms of evaluation and treatment of infertility, either online or by calling the insurer or benefits representative, or both, optimally before your first visit.
We understand that dealing with the insurance companies regarding your fertility coverage might be intimidating at first glance. To protect yourself from incurring fees that may not be covered by your insurance plan, you should obtain written verification of your benefits.
Insurance companies have specific guidelines to help you determine the extent of your fertility benefits. They are obligated to provide you with this information. Typically, the information is delivered only in response to specific questions asked by the insured (you) and some important information may be omitted unintentionally.
To verify your insurance benefits, please refer to the customer service phone number printed on your insurance card. When verifying your benefits, you should:

1. Obtain the name of the customer service representative giving you information.
2. Document the date and time of your phone call.
3. Request written confirmation of your specific benefits.

Review your benefits booklet (should be available from your employer if you are part of a group plan.) Copy the section that pertains to infertility benefits. Please understand that if treatment is not covered by your insurance plan, payment is due at the time of service.
FERTILITY INSURANCE QUESTIONS
If infertility is included in your policy coverage, the following questions should be asked:

1. Is my policy for diagnostic service only?
2. Is Diagnostic Code 628.9 covered?
3. Do I have coverage for the treatment of underlying conditions that may be the cause of my infertility?
4. Would CPT codes 58322 & 58323, for IUI, with diagnosis code V26.1 be covered?
5. Would advanced Reproductive Technology – using CPT codes 58970, 58974, 58976 for aspiration/retrieval and transfer, 89250 through 89280 for embryology labs, and the diagnosis code 628.9 be covered?
6. Is there a pre-existing clause on my policy in reference to infertility treatment or surgery procedures?
7. Do I have any drug coverage for infertility treatment? If yes, where? (mail order or local pharmacy) What drugs? (i.e. Bravelle, Follistim, Gonal F, Lupron, Menopur)
8. Do I need a referral and/or prior authorization for any office visits or procedures? (If yes, please obtain a referral before your visit with us. If you do not, your visit/services may not be covered)
9. Have I met my deductible?
10. What is my co-pay or co-insurance that will be due?

Petition to mandate IF coverage in all 50 states!

Click, sign up, and sign. Easy as that! 25,000 signatures are needed by the end of March and we are not even close!

Please pass it along/ post it/ tweet it/ pin it!   Thanks to all in advance!

https://wwws.whitehouse.gov/petitions/!/petition/approve-infertility-coverage-every-state/W43WWdd6?utm_source=wh.gov&utm_medium=shorturl&utm_campaign=shorturl

Calling All Ladies in Dallas

 

Free Fertility Seminars - Saturday, March 10, 2012

Attendees Will Be Eligible to Enter Drawing
for a Free Donated IVF Cycle

Please join SHER for a free town hall seminar hosted by Dr. Walid Saleh and Dr. Geoffrey Sher.  The topics will include:
- An overview of fertility causes, diagnosis methods and treatment options
- Male factor infertility and treatment options
- Breakthrough treatment protocols that can substantially increase success rates.
- Genetic Testing/Diagnosis to improve IVF success
- Your choice of discussion topics
Bring your questions for Q&A with the doctors.
We'll be donating a free IVF cycle to one couple/individual at each seminar by random drawing  (some restrictions apply) IVF Cycle Terms and Conditions

Saturday, March 10, 2012 - Two Seminars to Choose from:

• 10:00am-12:00 Noon (Check-in at 9:30am)
• 1:30-3:30pm (Check-in at 1:00pm)

Where:
Medical City Hospital
City Hall Auditorium - Care Tower "E"
7777 Forest Lane; Dallas, TX 75230Click For Directions to Medical City Hospital
Map of Medical City Campus

Click Here to Register

Clinical Trial

 

Impact of Parental Support on Pregnancy Outcomes (IPSO) Trial- Day 3 Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS) With Day 5 Fresh Transfer

Natera is recruiting patients for a research study evaluating pregnancy and implantation rates in women undergoing In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS). PGS is also referred to as Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) for aneuploidy.

Healthy women undergoing IVF who are between the ages of 35 to 42 years are being recruited to participate in a randomized study.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether PGS- testing of embryos created during IVF for chromosomal abnormalities, prior to transfer to the uterus- improves pregnancy and implantation rates in patients when compared to patients whose embryos are not tested. PGS will be conducted using 24 Chromosome Aneuploidy Screening with Parental Support from Natera.

All subjects who qualify and enroll will receive discounted IVF medications (both TEST and CONTROL arms). If you become pregnant during the study, you will receive a small payment for providing information about your pregnancy and birth. If you are assigned to the TEST arm of the study you will receive free PGS.

For more information & to see if you qualify at a participating IVF Clinic :

http://clinicaltrial.gov/ct2/show/NCT01194531?term=ivf+united+states&recr=Open&rank=2