It is no secret when it comes to family-building that LGBTQIA+ individuals and couples are confronted with challenges. Often one of the first obstacles to present itself are the financial barriers. In many cases, the financial obstacles alone result in the abandonment of the dream to build a family.
Though we are here to inform LGBTQIA+ intended parents that not all hope is lost and with understanding state laws, insurance options, potential company benefits, and financing opportunities - financial options for family-building are available and you can build the family of your dreams.
In this article, we break down legislation, insurance, potential company benefits, and financing options for those looking to build their family as members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Watch this short video to learn more about the challenges faced by same-sex couples who want to start a family:
Although it can be tiresome, by doing the necessary homework, those seeking to build a family of their own can feel fully empowered to advocate for themselves when discussing options with their insurer, employer, or family-building agency. Researching one’s state legislation and what is covered by their current health insurance and benefits is an essential starting place for understanding financial options.
A mention from the Affordable Care Act (ACA), mandates that health insurance companies provide the same set of essential health benefits, including outpatient care, hospitalization, emergency services, prescription drugs, maternity and newborn care, preventive and wellness services, and pediatric services. They can also provide additional health benefits if the company chooses.
Unfortunately, infertility treatment is not recognized as an essential health benefit mandated by the ACA. However, infertility may be considered a pre-existing condition - as of 2014, an insurance company cannot refuse to cover someone diagnosed based on pre-existing conditions.
There are currently 17 states—Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, Texas, and West Virginia—that have passed laws requiring insurance companies to either cover or offer coverage for infertility diagnosis and treatment. Of those states, 15 have laws that require insurance companies to cover infertility treatment, and two states—California and Texas—have laws that require insurance companies to offer coverage for infertility treatment.
It is important to first understand how insurers define 'infertility', most commonly an infertility diagnosis is only accepted after a year of trying to conceive naturally, which often excludes same-sex couples and single individuals. Depending on the health insurance plan, coverage will vary.
Most health insurance policies fall under one of the following five groups:
Keep in mind some employers offer family-building benefits aside from health insurance that may apply to individuals and same-sex couples too. Whether intended parents are looking to adopt or pursue a surrogacy journey, more companies are offering financial support. Inquire with your employer to see if they have any benefits available, they may be helpful in navigating your path to parenthood.
If health insurance and company benefits have been exhausted, some may find comfort in knowing there are a variety of financing options available. At Hatch, we have partnered with Future Family to enable intended parents to create a customizable loan program to help family-building financing be less stressful.
We offer financing with approval granted for qualified applications within 48 hours. If you have received pricing from another clinic, please feel free to share with us and we can provide a comparison of the costs so you fully understand all your options.
When financing fertility treatment with Future Family intended parents have access to one-on-one attention from a fertility financing specialist to address their every concern. Intended parents can incorporate all of their fees from fertility drugs to gestational surrogacy within a single monthly payment.
Once approved, a fertility financing specialist will work with a financial coordinator at Hatch to ensure that the proper funds are secured prior to beginning treatment.
We know how overwhelming this process can be. That’s why we offer full support along your journey. Hatch is the only agency in the United States to offer a truly all-inclusive financial package, covering both medical and non-medical expenses, with no surprises. To learn about our one-of-a-kind program that covers all standard expenses for egg donation, surrogacy, and IVF treatment with one fee, click the link below.
Peace of Mind Program ➜These Stories on LGBTQ+ Family Building
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