Economic implications of insurance coverage for in vitro fertilization in the United States. A review.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze cost-effectiveness studies in regard to the costs of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and discuss specific economic trends that may affect the future utilization of IVF in the United States.

STUDY DESIGN

Health economics. A Pub Med literature review and the Centers for Disease Control's (CDC) Fertility Clinic Success Rate registry served to access cost analyses and trends, respectively.

RESULTS

The average cost of an IVF cycle in the U.S. is $9,226. Among policies that provide IVF services, the increase in premium per month ranges from $0.67 to $14.

CONCLUSION

When IVF is provided as a health benefit, the cost increases can be variable. As utilization increases, contemporary cost analyses and outcomes research will aid providers, third-party payers and policymakers in better understanding the economic impact of lVF.