Don't Give Up...Companies that offer IVF Coverage

[Cheri76]

OK, so I know the frustration of thinking your chances are over because of finances. After 3 failed attempts, I had to give up for a while because I was out of money and out of insurance. I thought about giving up altogether, but got over my funk pretty soon and started taking action. I thought about what I could do to help my own situation. I took the time to get my body back in control and lost some weight, but I didn't stop there.

Hours were put into researching progressive minded companies that cover IVF and to what extent. Some are based in mandated states, some because they see the greater benefit of happy, loyal employees. Keep in mind that even if you dont live in a mandated state, companies that are headquartered in one often offer the same or similar coverage to all of their employees nationwide.

I included a couple, but I will more as I go back into my research. Please add anything that you know of!!! I'm so lucky to be starting again this Fall because I got a job that covers IVF and I want everyone to have the same chance. You don't have to be in a high level position to get this coverage!!

JP Morgan Chase
Brighthouse
Staples
Hewitt
Booz Allen Hamilton
Comcast
Accenture
Dick's Sporting Goods
American Express
Bank of America
Fed Ex/Kinkos

I hope this helps someone!!

[dogzrule]

Apple does as well.

[deftonesmo]

IKEA too =)

[Cheri76]

Keep sharing as you find things!! Thanks all!!

[lkmisc]

Hours were put into researching progressive minded companies that cover IVF and to what extent.

Just curious how you were able to find to what extent they cover IVF? I know there are lists of companies circulating out there about who offers infertility treatment, but how do you find out the details of the coverage? I think Conceive online put out a list with some details. Is that about as detailed as one would find? Not sure how updated the info is...

And, do these companies offer insurance to part timers, hourly or seasonal workers or do you have to work 40 hours minimum per week? When does coverage kick in, etc? Are there age cut offs for fertility coverage? I'd like to undertake some more research on my own, but before applying at a company, would want to make sure I'm not wasting their time or mine.

I'm currently a SAHM in Colorado and hoping for #2, but need IVF to make that happen. So, I am not able to take on a full time job. Are there companies that offer coverage to part timers? My ideal would be a company that offers a work-at-home option. I think some customer service reps can work from home, but I've had no luck in finding who they are!

Finally, if one does happen to get a job with one of these companies, how on earth can one do an IVF after starting a new job? For my first IVF, I had to go into my RE's clinic daily for almost 10 days for u/s and/or bloodwork each morning and then there's the time needed for the retrieval and then the transfer followed by about 2 days of bedrest. How can one take that time off on a new job?

Kudos to you for your research efforts! Continued best of luck!

[Cheri76]

To determine the amount of coverage offered, I started with just the basic research. I googled just about every combination of search words possible and quite a few lists and blogs came up. Once I got the names of the companies, I googled their individual plans using terms such as "full time benefits", "health benefits", "medical plans", "enrollment materials", etc. Some provided links to the benefits online which clearly outline what is covered. Others included at least the insurance provider that they use. At that point, I called the HR department of the various companies. I would tell them that I was contemplating accepting a position within their company and wanted to learn about all the benefits in advance. You really only need the group number that they use and most HR people were happy to provide this information. I then called the insurance company and asked them to go over the fertility benefit. Even for the companies that I couldn't get group number information for, the insurance agent was able to give me some information. Not quite as accurate, but I was still able to get a good idea of what kind of coverage they provided.

As to whether the companies offer insurance to part timers, hourly or seasonal workers and when coverage kicks in - that is different based on each company. Some offer at 20 hours, some at 30, some start day 1 and some start after 6 months. I didn't come across any that had an age cut off.

I want to say that some of the Convergys locations offer work-at-home options, depending on the area. Not sure about this one.

"Finally, if one does happen to get a job with one of these companies, how on earth can one do an IVF after starting a new job?"

For the companies that require a waiting period, you are usually building up vacation time at the same time. By the time you are ready, you have probably built up some time. Or tell them in advance that you have a vacation pre scheduled. Most companies allow for that if you tell them right away. You really only need a day or two. I know for me, my clinic offers very early appointments - starting at 7 am and usually only last 15-20 minutes. Maybe try to find a job that has a later schedule?

I hope this helps....

[lkmisc]

I am impressed by your determination and actually calling the companies and getting the group number. Wow! My hat's off to you!!

And I didn't think of the vacation option. I guess I was thinking in terms of not knowing actual cycle dates. My RE's clinic is almost an hour drive each way, so that's why even the earliest appt still would make me late each day for about 7-10 days. I'm sure there are all kinds of excuses one could come up with to cover that time...Thanks so much for the tips!!

Now, if only I could find a job that offered coverage in the first month! I have no time to lose given my age. I researched IVF mandated states with no age cutoffs and looked for what large corporations where headquartered in those states and then looked for locations in my town, but had no luck in finding any job openings. I fear that we will be at a loss as far as insurance coverage goes because we have bascially run out of time.

I hope things have worked out for you. Best of luck!

[Kamina]

God bless your Cheri! and best of luck to you. You are a woman of my heart. Helping others while helping yourself.