A new study has confirmed anecdotal reports that the recession has caused a decline in fertility treatments across the country. With price being the major deterrent, the report indicates that assisted reproductive technology (ART) such as In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is sought mostly by affluent, educated, Caucasian women and forecasts a 5% decline in IVF procedures by the end of 2009.
In an effort to help all patients afford treatment and significantly boost their chance of pregnancy success, Fertility Centers of Illinois (FCI) has announced the Attain IVF Refund Program; a unique treatment option designed to increase the odds of a baby for infertility patients, by offering an affordable course-of-treatment approach. The program promises patients a baby, or most of their money back (70%) - guaranteed.
While Illinois law requires group insurance plans and health maintenance organizations (HMOs) to provide coverage for infertility, many patients do not have adequate coverage and financial anxieties further complicate the decision to seek necessary treatment - especially during these tough economic times. Offering high success treatment, financing options, and a refund guarantee, the unique program eliminates many of the stressors and financial concerns which prevent couples from pursuing the ongoing treatment they require.
Dr. Angeline Beltsos, medical director of the Fertility Centers of Illinois explains that when patients undergo IVF once, they may have a 30% chance of success, however committing to multiple cycles can more than double their chances of pregnancy. “The program enables patients to afford to stay in treatment longer, and is proving to be a huge success with 75% of couples fulfilling their family building dreams of having a baby,” she says.
Study highlights global fertility decline and its implications for the future