Insurance

Currently I have no IF coverage & I have to pay 100% for all treatment.
Recently my boss and I were discussing the hardships this has caused me. He said he is willing to consider obtaining a plan if I can find something that will be suitable to my needs (IF coverage) & not an astronomical amount of $. I work for a small company 3FT employees & 4PT. Where do I even begin to research which insurance/plans have IF coverage? Can anyone help point me in the right direction?

Re: Insurance

I'm not sure how you would go about checking their IF coverage, aside from calling each company.
You could also contact LI Health Alliance and see if they can give you any information.

Honestly, I would bet in the long run, he'd be better off paying for your cycles. To get IF coverage is generally extremely expensive, especially for such a small company. But, good luck - hopefully you can find something that works for both of you.

Re: Insurance

That is some boss!!! you never hear of people like this anymore!! I have no answers but I needed to praise this boss of yours! See if he would consider paying or maybe 1/2 like Gertye said.. Its probably awkward to ask but think about a good approach.. l

Re: Insurance

your boss sounds wonderful.

A few ???

Do you have any insurance?

If so, what, who and who is insured in the firm?

Start with your current carrier if there is insurance in place.

Give me some answers first and I may be able to help you navigate a it a bit.

I used to sell insurance to small businesses. lately, a lot more companies are covering IF.

Re: Insurance

OK, I am the plan admin for our small company. I hate to say this but you can get a basic fertility coverage (up through IUI and med coverage). If you need IVF, no insurance company will offer it to small business. I tried. Since its not mandatory, they offer it as a rider. But, not to small business. It really sucks. But, I have Oxford and they covered all of our IUI's and they are covering our meds for IVF. But, they are great, have a ton of different plans.

Re: Insurance

My company has United Heath Care and i was told that we have a lifetime max of $20k for any infertility needs (meds, tests, IUI's, IVF's, etc.)

Re: Insurance

Re: Insurance- updated

Yes, I am very fortunate to work for someone who personally cares. (I wanted to think it was because I am such a valuable employee...hee hee).
Thank you all for your input and suggestions. I actually started this process a few months ago. I had thought I could just purchase an indivual (supplemental) plan. I became completely frustrated when I contacted serveral insur. companies & was told they didn't offer any indivual plans w/ IF coverage. My insurance is thru my husband. I am pretty certain they will not be willing to make any changes because he too works for a small company. Thank you all again! I will start looking into some of the companies you suggested.I welcome any other suggestions. Like, what specifically should I be asking insurance companies? Do you think it would be better just to have a broker work on this? I think the likelihood of finding something is slim but of course I want to investiage all options. THANKS AGAIN!

Message edited 10/1/2008 4:41:35 PM.

Re: Insurance

First try would be any organizations that your company is involved with or members of. They may have discounted insurance options (with a big carrier).

Try calling LI Health Alliance. We used them a while ago for a 2nd health plan for certain employees. But, they had a ton of plans and I think we just had to join for $80 or less. I cannot find their number. {woops just realized Gerty already suggest this}

At least having some IF is better than no IF coverage.

Message edited 10/1/2008 3:30:05 PM.

Re: Insurance

you may be able to get an individual plan with some coverage. You have to weigh and measure the costs though. Indi plans could be about $600-$800/month.

Oxford offers individual plans and I believe Cigna does as well.

I agree with Beth-Ann about the organizations. Sometimes there are plans you can join because there is a bigger group affiliated.