Understanding Insurance

Rhode Island law specifically states that this mandate only extends to married individuals between the age of 25 to 42. If your age falls outside of this range or if you’re unmarried, there is a possibility that your insurance will not cover any of your costs.

Massachusetts and Connecticut state laws are different from Rhode Island’s. If your insurance is through an employer in one of these states, make sure to inquire about any limitations or requirements.

Medicaid does not provide the same level of coverage that many other insurance plans do. Unless you have a diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or uterine fibroids, Medicaid plans do not cover the cost of a consultation with a reproductive endocrinologist. Medicaid does not cover any other procedures or diagnostic testing.

We offer loans and affordable IVF programs through ARC Fertility Financing that can help patients whose insurance will not cover their costs for IVF, or if they have high expenses even after coverage. Programs offered by ARC allow you to bundle your costs, including medications, so you only need to make one monthly payment.

In some cases, a person’s medical history can greatly impact what will or will not be covered by insurance. For example, if you had a voluntary tubal ligation, your insurance may not cover your fertility treatment costs. We recommend that patients disclose past procedures and diagnoses to their insurance providers before treatment. This will allow you to better understand your true coverage so you’re not surprised by unexpected expenses.

While we always recommend speaking directly with your insurance company to understand your benefits and financial responsibility, we also provide financial counselors to help you navigate the complexities of paying for fertility treatment. Our staff can help explain the costs associated with your treatment plan, including what your insurance will likely cover and what you will need to pay out of pocket.

Many insurance policies require authorizations before starting an IVF cycle or certain medications. We will submit this authorization to your insurance company on your behalf. Please note that authorizations can take up to 15 business days to be approved, so it’s important to check with your insurance in advance of your anticipated treatment start date.

The best first step to understanding your insurance coverage is to review your plan details on your insurer’s website. Most insurers also offer a member services department that you can call for additional details on your plan.

If your healthcare benefits are through an employer, you may also be able to speak to your employee benefits specialist or human resources department.

RESOLVE New England, a nonprofit organization that offers support and education to those experiencing infertility, has a number of online resources to assist you in understanding health insurance plan types and coverage.

Members of the RESOLVE organization can also speak to an insurance advocate for free during scheduled appointment times.

The Rhode Island insurance mandate states that insurance must provide coverage for medically necessary expenses for the diagnosis and treatment of infertility, which can include in vitro fertilization (IVF). But, the amount of coverage can vary from plan to plan. In some cases, there may be limits on the number of IVF cycles or a required diagnosis before treatment.