Follistim AQ is used to help women develop and release mature eggs for use in artificial reproductive techniques. It is also used by men to improve sperm production.
Follical Stimulating Hormone (Follistim) costs are often just the tip of the iceberg for couples tyring to conceive. Along with taking Follistim, you may be taking other fertility drugs such as Pregnyl, and undergoing other infertility treatments. You may also be paying for IVF out of pocket.
- Average costs for Follistim without insurance
- Tips for finding infertility and IVF health insurance coverage
- How to cut Follistim costs by 1/3 using the tax code
- How to offset Follistim costs with supplemental insurance
Average Cost of Follistim
The average price of a Follistim AQ ranges from $200 to $600 per vial depending on dosage. Your total Follistim expenses will vary depending upon the number of cycles needed before you conceive.
Also consider that follistim may not be the only costs you incur. You may be taking other fertility drugs, or taking Follistim in conjunction with other infertility treatments - all of which you may need to pay out-of-pocket.
Before taking Follistim, make sure you have investigated the in and outs of infertility health insurance options. Odds are, your Follistim costs may be only a fraction of what you have to pay out of pocket. Know how the rules work.
Follistim side effects include acne; breast enlargement or tenderness; headache; stomach pain; tenderness at the injection site;nausea; stomach discomfort; and tiredness. If your Follistim fatigue causes you to miss work, short term disability insurance may replace a portion of your income. In addition, your maternity leave for normal pregnancy will also be covered. Coverage must begin before getting pregnant.
Cut Follistim Costs by 1/3 Using the Tax Code
Cut your Follistim and other infertility treatment costs by 1/3 or with pre-tax dollars. You can use your employer's Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to cut your Follistim prices, and provide you with interest free infertility & IVF financing at the same time. Read below to learn more.
Your Follistim costs for cartridges, vials and pens are tax deductible along with many other un-reimbursed medical expenses you may encounter while trying to conceive. Also once you become pregnant there may be expenses for prenatal care, hospital admission, well baby care, etc. There are two approaches to taking deductions. Know the pros and cons of each:
1 - Take an itemized medical deduction on your IRS Schedule A. The first 7.5% of your adjusted gross income will be subtracted from the total of your total itemized medical expenses to determine your amount of tax savings.
For example: a couple with an AGI of $100,000 gets $0 of tax savings on the first $7,500 of Follistim and other infertility costs.
2 - A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) allows you to realize tax savings on your very first dollar of Follistim, infertility, and pregnancy related expenses. You may also reduce the amount of other taxes you pay. An FSA may generate tax savings of 1/3 or more.
For example: a couple in the 25% federal income tax bracket paying FICA taxes of 7.65% saves a total of 32.65%. This generates almost $2,500 in savings on the first $7,500 in expenses noted above.
A Flexible Spending Account can also function like an interest free loan for your infertility treatment expenses.
Offset Follistim Costs with Supplemental Insurance
It pays to think beyond just your Follistim costs alone. You may have other infertility treatment expenses as well. And we hope you get pregnant too!
Your pregnancy will present a new set of financial challenges: like lost maternity leave income, or left over medical expenses. Buy supplemental insurance before taking Follistim. Your benefit for normal delivery may greatly exceed the premium you pay. Use the surplus as maternity income, or to offset Follistim and other infertility treatment expenses.
Plus, you will gain extra security in case of complications, premature birth, accidents, and illnesses.
