And a Weight Was Lifted Off of Her Shoulders...

Through my entire battle with infertility there has always been one thing on my mind; how are we going to pay for this? You see, my POS plan doesn't cover infertility except for diagnosis. I have spent the past few months doing research about the programs that were out there, shared risk (my doctor doesn't participate in one), special financing (good rate - but another loan... ICK), loan from family, etc, etc, etc... Husband and I had finally made the decision to go with the financing plan. The interest rate was okay (much better than a credit card) and the payment schedule was something that we could live with. I was okay with this decision, but the idea of going back into debt (been there, done that, very UGLY) weighed so very heavy on my heart. I planned to meet with the financial counselor at my RE next week before the IUI so we could fill out the paperwork and get the ball rolling. Rewind 6 weeks....

In August Husband accepted a promotion within his company. The pay is better, the opportunity to advance is much greater, the hours are more steady and the office is closer to home. The only drawback was that it was a non-union position and we would no longer have free benefits. Yes, I said free. We have been spoiled for seven beautiful years - we have had FANTASTIC health coverage for nothing. When the time came we went over all the available options, the co-pay and deductible schedules, the premium amounts, etc. until we finally decided on the EPO plan. It costs a bit more money than the others available but was the closest plan we could find to our old one. We were happy with our decision. We couldn't use out-of-network doctors, but we had manageable co-pays and no deductibles. The plan took effect on 9/1.

Yesterday on my way home from work I stopped at the local grocery to pick up my Cl0mid and my prenates. When the cashier rang me up the amount was too low. I told her that I thought she had missed a prescription and she insisted that she did not. I asked her if the Cl0mid was accepted by the insurance and she said, "Yes". I asked her if she thought it was a mistake and she emphatically said, "NO". Unable to believe that it wasn't a mistake I RAN (okay I drove, and I only sped a little bit) home and logged onto my insurance company's website. Sure as shit Cl0mid is a covered drug! In a frenzy I went digging for my infertility benefits and this is what I found:

Services for treatment of infertility

100% of eligible expenses up to a maximum of $6,000 per covered person, per calendar year. $12,000 per covered person, per lifetime. Diagnosis and services to treat a medical condition are covered. Injectible drugs are covered through the medical plan. Oral drugs are covered through the prescription plan.

Covered Services:
· Ovulation induction with menotropins
· Artificial Insemination
· Injectible fertility drugs

Can you freaking believe it?! I couldn't! I ran around the house hooting and hollering and scaring the living daylights out of my dog! I swear I just received a $12,000 gift. IVF/ICSI is not covered but at least we have a few more IUI's left to try before we have to bring out the big guns and bury ourselves in debt. Sometimes I just need a reminder that a) everything happens for a reason and b) when God slams a door shut in your face he always opens another one. Happy days ladies, happy, happy days.