<p style="text-align: center;">We are fortunate to have decent fertility coverage through my husband's employer.  For that, I will forgive their absolute mockery of a 401k match.  But, still, the cost is adding up at an alarming rate.  If you have not had the misery (or joy) of going down this path they call IVF, here's a look at some of the costs we have incurred/ will be incurring before or near the start of our first cycle.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Our out of pocket cost for medication for 1 cycle of IVF: $660 (and that's WITH insurance coverage!!!)</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Out of pocket cost for medication for 1 failed IUI: $103</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Cost to freeze sperm to ensure we have an optimal sample: $350 (insurance wouldn't dream of covering this)</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Cost to freeze embryos (if we are fortunate enough to have extras): $1100</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Cost of 5 sessions of acupuncture (enough for 1-2 cycles): $320</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Cost of 1 month of Weight Watchers to help maintain acceptable BMI for procedure: $18</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Cost of 5 one-hour sessions of therapy to stay sane: $360</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Cost of 1 HSG: around $800 (met the deductible)</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Cost of 1 specialized ultrasound: $800 (again, met the deductible)</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Cost of testing to determine that the embryos do not have chromosomal abnormalities or genetically passed diseases: $6500       (we will not be doing this)</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">etc etc etc...</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I cannot imagine what it is like to endure this journey without adequate coverage.  As you can see, it is financially challenging even with our home state of IL and our insurance provider on our side.  Ugh.  And to think that just about 1 month ago, we thought we could get pregnant with Femara (to stimulate ovulation) and timed intercourse.  How quickly we have leaped into the big leagues.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We will be hosting a garage sale on May 16, 17, and 18 to help raise funds to buffer our costs.  If you have anything to donate to our garage sale, we would appreciate it.  Please contact me privately.  If you or someone you know is looking for used housewares or kids stuff, stop by in May.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">In the mean time, we will be tightening our belts and thinking creatively about how to spend less and stretch our dollars (any tips are welcome!).  I know it will be worth it if we one day have a sibling for O.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">If these folks can do it, so can we:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://everyoneelsebutme.blogspot.com/search/label/Martina">Everyone else but Me</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://misfitmrs.blogspot.com/">Misfit Mrs.</a></p>