We all know the financial strain that experiencing infertility can have, here's a few ways you might not have heard about to help you along the way.
#1 Check into your health insurance
While it seems counter-intuitive to increase your insurance coverage or even add on separate insurance, the overall payout difference on your fertility treatments could make it worth the extra monthly cost. Talking with your work's Human Resources team may help you find options in your health care, such as adding an HSA account, that you weren't aware of previously.
This is also an opportune moment to advocate with your company to consider adding infertility treatments to their existing insurance package. Consider the following talking points:
the average cost of in-vitro fertilization at $12,400 which must be paid out-of-pocket by the patient.
1 in 6 people are affected by infertility. That means many more employees than you would benefit from coverage.
People who need IVF and have employer-provided infertility/IVF health insurance have higher satisfaction with their employers and miss less work due to fertility related issues.
Don't hesitate to use these facts to strengthen your argument.
Resolve provides a great toolkit for advocating with your employer. We at UIRC are also happy to advocate with you or on your behalf.
#2 Researching online for 'hidden' resources
With an ever-growing list of results in Google's search feed, we often come across the same information at the top of the page that we've seen before. I'm not suggesting to go to page 2 of Google (heaven-forbid), but rather exploring deeper into the resources you may already be familiar with.
Our website provides a comprehensive list of resources that cover various aspects of financing your fertility journey. You can download your own copy for easy-reading. Additionally, we are offering our last financial award of the year, provided by the 52:40 Foundation. This is a $10,000 award that you can apply for free of charge. If selected, the funds will be applied directly to the accredited organization of your choice. Applications are due October 15, 2023, further details are available here.
Resolve is an excellent resource that offers detailed lists of scholarships, grants, financing programs, and fertility loans on their website. The Tinina Q Cade Foundation is another resource that you may not have previously heard of. Their mission is to help the infertility community learn how to better advocate for themselves and find ways to finance their journey. Their foundation also offers grants, be sure to take a look at the details on their website for ones you may qualify for.
#3 Don't shy away from crowdfunding
Reaching out for financial help with infertility can be uncomfortable, especially when privacy is a concern. However, you may be surprised to find how many people around you are willing to help. Here are some options that can help you connect with your community and garner support:
Organize Fundraising Events: Hosting events is an excellent way to raise funds while bringing people together. Consider organizing events such as charity runs, bake sales, or silent auctions. These events not only generate financial contributions but also create awareness about infertility issues.
Employer Matching Programs: Inquire with your employer about matching gift programs or employee assistance programs that can help supplement your fundraising efforts. Some companies offer matching donations for charitable causes, which can significantly boost your fundraising campaign.
Crowdfunding Campaigns: Crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe provide an accessible way to reach out to friends, family, and the wider community for support. Create a compelling campaign that shares your story, explains the need for financial assistance, and highlights the impact of their contributions.
Garage Sales: Organizing a garage sale is a practical way to declutter your home while raising funds for infertility treatments. Encourage friends and family to donate items they no longer need, and promote the sale through social media and local community groups.
Online Auctions: Online auctions can be an exciting way to engage potential donors and raise funds. Reach out to local businesses or individuals who may be willing to donate items or services for auction. Promote the auction through social media platforms and your network.
Partnerships with Local Businesses: Establish partnerships with local businesses that are willing to support your cause. Some businesses may be open to hosting fundraising events or donating a portion of their proceeds to your infertility treatment fund.
Community Outreach: Engage with local organizations, religious institutions, or support groups that may be interested in supporting your cause. Share your story and explain how their contributions can make a difference in helping you achieve your dream of starting a family.
Keep in mind, fundraising efforts may require significant amounts of time and dedication, but they can be incredibly rewarding both financially and emotionally. We hope these options spur new ideas for your financial needs. And if nothing else, you can always check page 2 of Google Search.