Even with 1 in 6 couples facing infertility, many insurance providers exclude or limit coverage for this treatable condition - meaning many people don't even get the chance to start their family. Organizations like the Nest Egg Foundation are stepping up to help.
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If the American Medical Association (AMA) classifies infertility as a medical disease and acknowledges that treatment is required to overcome it, why do so many hopeful parents still struggle to access the care they need to help grow their families?
Those who are lucky enough to have infertility coverage still have to navigate strict limitations on how they can use their benefits, including restrictions on what types of fertility treatment they can receive.
They also frequently have to cover a significant portion of the out-of-pocket expenses incurred for necessary medical treatments. Seems a little crazy, doesn't it?
In October 2023, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) issued a new definition of infertility, expanding it to include anyone needing medical interventions "in order to achieve a successful pregnancy - either as an individual or with a partner."
Most importantly, ASRM adds, "Nothing in this definition shall be used to deny or delay treatment to any individual, regardless of relationship status or sexual orientation."
This is a big deal, considering the previous definition considered infertility to be "the failure to get pregnant within a year of having regular, unprotected intercourse or therapeutic donor insemination in women younger than 35, or within six months in women older than 35."
Want to learn more? We've got you covered with a full breakdown of the news here.
Good news for those who live in Connecticut and New York - you live in one of the U.S. states that has mandated coverage for infertility!
The CT state infertility mandate is helpful for many people trying to conceive. It specifically covers up to 3 IUI cycles and 2 IVF cycles. After that, Connecticut state residents with no other insurance coverage are on their own to pay for fertility treatment.
The NY state infertility mandate requires all large group insurance providers to cover up to 3 cycles of IVF for people with a medical diagnosis of infertility. The mandate also requires insurance plans to cover egg and sperm freezing for medically necessary purposes, including, but not limited to, sickle cell anemia, cancer diagnosis and surgery for endometriosis.
While there are now 21 states in the United States that have insurance mandates (bills or laws) in place to require certain insurers to provide varying levels of infertility coverage, we still have a long way to go before all fertility patients get access to the care they need. Learn more here.
As advocates like RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association continue to fight for the rights of all families, other organizations have thankfully stepped in to help. One of these organizations is the Nest Egg Foundation.
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Nest Egg Foundation, Inc. is a 501c(3) not for profit that provides financial grants for IVF to primary infertility patients who have been unable to start their families due to financial need.
IVF grants are awarded in amounts ranging from $5,000 up to $20,000 and can be used at either Illume Fertility or the Center for Advanced Reproductive Science (CARS).
Founded in 2015, Nest Egg Foundation is a collaborative effort between medical and financial professionals, attorneys and others who care about building families and want to help those who cannot afford fertility treatment. Nest Egg Foundation aims to give opportunities to those struggling with infertility via education and access to treatment.
This organization is extra close to our hearts - Illume Fertility's Founder & Medical Director Dr. Mark Leondires, Integrated Fertility & Wellness program coordinator Dr. Amy Matton, and our former CEO Robin Mangieri all serve on the board of the Nest Egg Foundation.
I have always struggled with the fact that not everyone who needs it has access to fertility treatment, and that is why I got involved with Nest Egg Foundation. Being mother to my daughters has been the greatest joy of my life, and I want everyone to have that opportunity.
- Dr. Amy Matton, Vice President, Nest Egg Foundation
At Illume Fertility, we believe that no one should have to stop medical treatment before having the baby they're dreaming of simply because they don’t have the health coverage or financial means to continue.
This belief drives our participation in advocacy work and organizations like the Nest Egg Foundation.
The Nest Egg Foundation offers generalized grants for primary infertility treatment through IVF, as well as two specialized grants designated for those who have experienced recurrent pregnancy loss or need the help of donor eggs to grow their family.
IVF grant amounts range from $5,000 to $20,000.
This special grant is awarded in tribute to Ryder’s beloved grandpa, David Olmsted. It is made possible through the generous donations of David's friends and family. He is greatly missed. We honor his life through the gift of hope.
For the fourth year, Nest Egg Foundation is pleased to offer a $10,000 dollar IVF grant specifically earmarked for patients starting their family through egg donation.
This grant is generously funded by Carlos and Ashley Rodon, specifically for patients suffering from recurrent pregnancy loss. "After struggling with recurrent pregnancy loss, we were blessed with our daughter Willow - now we hope to give other families that same blessing," the couple says.
Curious if you qualify for a Nest Egg IVF grant? Read on!
This year's Nest Egg application window is January 15, 2024 to February 15, 2024.
After carefully reviewing Nest Egg Foundation's eligibility requirements, you can submit your application for an IVF grant.
Nest Egg Foundation’s Evaluation Panel, which consists of medical professionals, financial advisors, and clinical psychologists, will then review all completed grant applications. Grant recipients will be notified directly.
Have more questions? Email the Nest Egg team!
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At this point, you probably have some questions about this whole process, like "Do I qualify for one of these IVF grants?" and "How does this actually work?" We've got answers for you!
The first requirement for a Nest Egg Foundation grant is that you must reside in Connecticut or New York and both partners (if applicable) must be U.S. citizens. If you do not meet these requirements, check out our full guide to additional fertility treatment grants and resources.
Each Nest Egg Foundation grant will cover between $5,000 to $20,000 in treatment costs. Any costs exceeding that amount will be the responsibility of the recipient.
Yes! The Nest Egg Foundation has a strict nondiscrimination policy, and believes in assisting ALL families. LGBTQ+ patients are welcome to apply for these grants.
Yes, all fertility patients are welcome to apply, whether you are single or partnered.
Yes! One of the grants available through The Nest Egg Foundation is specifically for those pursuing egg donation, called The Ryder Grant.
The Nest Egg Foundation grant can cover your IVF treatment cycle, embryo, egg or sperm cryopreservation, embryo testing, cycle costs related to egg or embryo donation, surrogacy, and cycle medications (up to $20,000).
Grant applicants must be between ages 25-44. There are also specific requirements about test results that we encourage you to review carefully before applying.
It may take up to 12 weeks to review all qualified applications. Nest Egg Foundation staff will notify you if you have been selected to receive a grant.
Yes, grant funding may only be used at Illume Fertility or at the Center for Advanced Reproductive Services.
At this time, Nest Egg Foundation grants are only awarded to those challenged by primary infertility (meaning no previous live births).
Yes! As of 2023, more than 21 families have received Nest Egg Foundation grants. 13 babies have already been welcomed into the world, with one more baby on the way!
Read one Nest Egg family's story here.
If you're struggling to conceive your first child and need the support of fertility treatment to grow your family, you deserve the chance to make those dreams come true.
Grants like those provided by Nest Egg Foundation don't just offer financial assistance, they offer hope. And everyone deserves hope.
Over my 30-year career as a physician and my own family-building journey, it has always distressed me when people cannot afford to take advantage of in vitro fertilization to have a child. This led to the birth of the Nest Egg Foundation. I am so proud of the little lives that have begun and the families we have helped start. I look forward to more joy entering the lives of our deserving recipients!
- Dr. Mark Leondires, Board Member, Nest Egg Foundation
Until the day comes when all people have access to the fertility care they need, organizations like Nest Egg Foundation will continue to find ways to support those dreaming of building a family.
If you're looking for financial support on your own path to parenthood, we encourage you to see if you qualify and apply for a Nest Egg Foundation grant, and wish you all the best on your journey!