Follitropin Alfa (Gonal F) helps women make more eggs. It is commonly used in conjunction with Ovulation Induction (OI), and other assisted reproductive techniques (ART).
Gonal F costs are often just the tip of the iceberg for couples trying to conceive. Along with taking Gonal F, you may be taking other fertility drugs, and undergoing other infertility treatments such as In Vitro Fertilization.
You may be concerned about your out-of-pocket expense for Gonal F and other ART procedures because don't have insurance that covers infertility. On this page you will find:
- Average costs for Gonal F without insurance
- How to cut Gonal F costs by 1/3 using the tax code
- How to offset Gonal F costs with supplemental maternity insurance
Average Cost of Gonal F
The average price of a Gonal F ranges from $100 to $400 per vial depending on dosage . Your total Gonal F expenses will vary depending upon the number of cycles needed before you conceive.
Also consider that Gonal F may not be the only costs you incur. You may be taking other fertility drugs, or taking Gonal F in conjunction with other infertility treatments - all of which you may need to pay out-of-pocket.
Before taking Gonal F, make sure you have investigated the in and outs of infertility health insurance options. Odds are, your Gonal F costs may be only a fraction of what you have to pay out of pocket. This is the case for many couples taking Gonal F at part of an IVF cycle. Know how the rules work.
Common side effects for Gonal F and other gonadotropins include high order multiple birth, ovarian cysts, and in rare cases ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Symptoms of OHSS include severe pain, nausea, and vomiting. Should any of these side effects happen to you, short term disability insurance may help. Multiple pregnancies are high risk, and are often delivered pre-term. Any disruption in income is bad news for couples paying out of pocket in order to get pregnant.
Cut Gonal F Costs by 1/3 Using the Tax Code
Your Gonal F costs for cartridges, vials and pens are tax deductible along with your other un-reimbursed medical expenses for infertility treatment. You have two options: take an itemized deduction on your 1040, or use your employer's flexible spending account.
You can 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 un-reimbursed medical expenses costs to determine the amount of deductible medical expenses. If you are considering Gonal F in conjunction with IVF your costs may exceed this hurdle and generate significant savings.
For example, if your adjusted gross income is $100,000 there are no tax savings on the first $7,500 of Gonal F and other infertility costs. Amounts above this figure would reduce your taxable income subject to any limitations.
A Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA) allows you to realize tax savings on your very first dollar of Gonal F and infertility costs. The amount you can contribute to an FSA may be too low for couples undergoing IVF.
For example, an FSA generates tax savings on federal and state income taxes, and payroll taxes. If you have $7,500 of un-reimbursed Gonal F and other deductible medical expenses you receive up to 1/3 tax savings on the $7,500 you might contribute. There are no tax savings on amounts above what your plan allows you to contribute.
Weight both options carefully and plan things out in advance to maximize cost savings. Keep in mind that FSA claims are payable when qualified expenses are incurred. Your employer just gave you an interest free IVF loan that actually saves you money!
Offset Gonal F Costs with Supplemental Insurance
It pays to think beyond just your Gonal F 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 extra expenses for hospital deductibles, co pays. Many couples are shocked by out-of-network doctors fees associated with a NICU confinement. If you conceive multiples - a common experience for couples taking follicle stimulating hormones, or implanting multiple embryos - your infants are likely to be born pre-term, and may need specialized care in the hospital before coming home.
Buy supplemental pregnancy insurance before getting pregnant. Your benefit for normal delivery may greatly exceed the premium you pay. Use the surplus as maternity income, or to offset Gonal F and other infertility treatment expenses.
Plus, you will gain extra security in case of complications, premature birth, accidents, and illnesses.
