IUI Treatments - 3 Ways to Cut Cost

IUI - Intrauterine Insemination costs and success rates vary widely and depend upon the number of follicles, sperm count, medications and testing needed. The IUI procedure and sperm washing costs average $200-300. But often there are other procedures performed in conjunction with IUI: fertility medications, ultrasounds and bloodwork costs can pile up quickly.

A couple undergoing a natural IUI cycle may spend only $200, while another on injectable medications with monitoring may spend $5,000-6,000. Learn how to control costs while providing for the extra security you might need. Three ways to cut the cost of Intrauterine Insemination:

* Research infertility insurance laws - find ways to get infertility insurance to foot the bill if you can
* Allow the IRS to fund 1/3 of the cost - your IUI expenses are tax deductible
* IUI Multiples - Use supplemental insurance to refund your IUI cost when you deliver and provide needed security in case of multiples

Finding Insurance to Cover Infertility

If investigating IUI costs you may be at the beginning or the end of your infertility journey. There is just no way to tell. Either way getting a 3rd party to pick up your medical costs can have a huge impact as many couples just can't afford to pay for even the lower cost procedures. Explore your options at the beginning stages.

Cost of ICSI Covered by Insurance

IUI is often a second line therapy, the next step taken if oral medications are not effective. Your cost of IUI may be your only remaining expense, or just the beginning depending upon success of the procedure. In IUI the number of fertilized eggs is difficult to control meaning that your odds of a multiple pregnancy are quite high.

The best way to keep your cost of ICSI manageable is to have somebody else pay for it - your employer's group health insurance plan. These plans are very difficult to find, but every couple should start by understanding how state infertility insurance laws work to see if they can get coverage. Take these two steps first:

Determine what state the employer for both spouses are headquartered
Research the laws in the these states

Fifteen states mandate that certain infertility treatments be covered by group health insurance. The laws apply to employers headquartered in the state. Many people make the mistake of assuming the law pertains to where they live - not so. If one of your employers' are headquartered in these states you may be covered. If you do have a coverage option make sure you apply for husband/wife coverage.

IUI Cost Cut by IRS

Your IUI costs are tax deductible. You can discount IUI prices by offsetting tax savings. You have two options, but one is clearly superior:

Take an itemized medical deduction on your IRS Schedule A. Beware - the first 7.5% of your adjusted gross income will be subtracted from the total of your total infertility treatment costs to determine your amount of tax savings.

For example, if your adjusted gross income is $100,000 this means no tax savings on the first $7,500 of un-reimbursed medical expenses for IUI and other infertility treatments.

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

An FSA may generate tax savings of 1/3 or more for your IUI and other infertility costs. For example: a couple in the 25% federal income tax bracket paying FICA taxes of 7.65% saves a total of 32.65%. In addition, you may get an interest free loan!

Cost of IUI and Multiple Pregnancy

Many women undergoing IUI have a good chance of conceiving. It is a relatively simple, low cost procedure compared to other infertility treatments.

Make a bet that you will get pregnant, and purchase supplemental insurance before getting pregnant. You can create maternity leave income. Your benefit for normal delivery may greatly exceed the premium you pay, plus you gain protection in case of pregnancy complications, premature birth, delivery complications and more.

IUI is often associated with multiple pregnancies as the number of embryos is difficult to control. Multiple pregnancies are often delivered prematurely. Premature delivery carries a higher risk of complications for your babies who may require an extended stay in Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU). Supplemental maternity insurance will pay extra benefits for each child requiring specialized care in the hospital.

Interrelated

IUI Treatments - 3 Ways to Cut Cost

Cost of ICSI Covered by Insurance

IUI Cost Cut by IRS

Cost of IUI and Multiple Pregnancy