Male infertility treatment, also known as Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), is used to help infertile males be able to have children that are genetically related to them. This infertility occurs when males do not ejaculate sperm. Another cause could be antisperm antibodies, which can usually be corrected through Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) treatment.
Cost of Infertility Treatment
Initial testing must be done to ensure that the infertility problems lie within the male, and not the female. These tests can cost about $750 and include blood, semen and saline testing.
Costs for an IVF treatment range from about $9,000 to $35,000, depending on insurance coverage and financing options you have available to you. It is important to remember that different clinics have different pricing and procedures for doing things. The single cycle price runs at around $8,500, with prices increasing with each added cycle. Because the problem is male infertility, you also have to pay to have the ICSI done. This costs an additional $1,000 to $2,000.
Medications during and after this procedure may also be pricey. They range from as low as $1,500 all the way up to $4,500.
Financing
There are several medical loan organizations that most infertility clinics work with to help finance the procedure. Applications for these loans are usually found over the phone or on the Internet. Also be aware that all payments must be made in advance, and the discount for paying in advance is usually the price listed by the doctor or specialist. It is also suggested that you talk to friends and family members who may have had to have this procedure done, and that you set aside a little money each month to help pay for it
Insurance Coverage
Many insurance plans will not cover this specific treatment. You may want to check your individual insurance plan for coverage or check with your employer or the specific insurance carrier. Insurance covers the medications and testing procedures more often than they are willing to cover the entire treatment.
If your employer doesn't offer insurance that covers this treatment, there may be other options. There are insurance programs that are specifically for this type of treatment. These specific plans may be independent from your other insurance. However, before you make the switch or purchase an extra plan, talk to your current provider to ensure that coverage really is unavailable to you.
Other Deductions and Discounts
Other discounts and deductions include the choice of two separate tax deductions, which both have benefits of varying degrees. The first allows patients to take an itemized medical tax deduction off of their tax schedule A, however, if you choose to do this method, you will not receive any tax deductions for the first 7.5% of your total income. In other words, unless you make very little money, this tax deduction will probably not save you a lot of money.
The second deduction you can receive is through a Healthcare Flexible spending account (FSA). You can start saving right away with this type of account, and it may reduce the amount you must pay on both FICA and state taxes. With the FSA, you can also get an interest free loan to help pay for the procedure.
