Cut Bravelle Injection Costs: 3 Strategies

Bravelle is a follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). It is used for ovulation induction and for the development of multiple follicles if you are pursuing an ART program.

Keep in mind that your Bravelle costs may be just one component in your quest to fund infertility treatments, pregnancy, and maternity leave. It is often prescribed in conjunction with Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) to induce ovulation following treatment, and is often use in conjunction with In Vitro Fertilization and other procedures.

Many insurance plans won't cover Bravelle or other fertility treatments. Those that do may leave you with large co-pays, or limits on the number of IVF cycles that are covered. It pays to research the following:

• Avoid Bravelle costs - have your health insurance pay the bill when possible 
• Cut your Bravelle price - by 1/3 or more with pre-tax dollars 
• Offset Bravelle expenses - supplemental maternity insurance will cover your normal labor and delivery
  
  

The best way to avoid Bravelle and other costs of infertilty treatment is to have somebody else pay the tab - like an insurance carrier.  Check the insurance coverage for both spouses, and know the state laws mandating infertilty coverage for the states where both employers are headquartered, and where you live. 

Fifteen states have laws mandating infertility coverage.  Most apply to employers headquartered in that state, and some apply to insurance issued in that state.

Bravelle side effects include breast tenderness; headache; hot flashes; nausea; stomach pain; and vaginal bleeding.  Your primary health insurance may cover the costs of any ensuing medical treatment.  If these side effects impact on your ability to work, short term disability insurance may replace a portion your income during this time.  In addition, by purchasing coverage while taking Bravelle your maternity leave will be a covered benefit.  

The average price of a Bravelle injection without insurance is $1,000 for 15 vials. You may need just the fifteen injections, many more, or you may use other drugs in combination with a variety of infertility treatments.

Your Bravelle injection costs and other medical expenses are tax deductible. You can discount bravelle injection prices by offsetting tax savings. You have two options, but as you will see a Flexible Spending Account can make getting pregnant $2,500 more affordable:

Take an itemized medical deduction on your IRS Schedule A. Remember - the first 7.5% of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) will be subtracted from the total of your total itemized expenses to determine your amount of savings.

For example: a couple with a an AGI of $100,000 this means no savings on the first $7,500 of un-reimbursed medical expenses.

A Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA) allows you to realize tax savings on your very first dollar of Bravelle and other payments, plus you may also reduce the amount of State, and FICA taxes you pay. 

For example: a couple in the 25% federal income tax bracket paying FICA taxes of 7.65% saves a total of 32.65%.  That represents almost $2,500 reduction in after tax costs.  Which do you prefer?

Your are taking Bravelle in an attempt to get pregnant.  When you buy supplemental insurance preconception your normal labor and delivery will be a covered benefit and this benefit may greatly exceed the premium you pay. 

Use the surplus to offset your Bravelle costs, plus you will be protected in case of complications, premature birth, accidents, and illnesses.  Remember that you are stimulating multiple follicles, which generates multiple eggs, which may generate multiple embryos, which may become a multiple pregnancy.  

Multiple pregnancies are often high risk. Mom may miss extra time from work. The infants are often born pre-term. You may be left with extra hospital expenses. Suppplemental insurance replaces mom's income, and pays added benefits for each infant confined to the NICU.