In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Medication Prices Rose by 84% Over the Past 10 Years

As the demand for in vitro fertilization (IVF) grows, so do its medication prices.

According to new research from GoodRx, the cost of IVF medications has risen by a staggering 84% since 2014. That's intensified the financial burden of an already costly treatment.

By comparison, the list price for all prescription drugs has risen by just 37% over the same time period.

These numbers are based on the list price of a medication - the official price assigned by the manufacturer. The list price is not usually what patients end up paying due to health insurance. But it is still a good proxy for the price of a drug.

Why are these medications so expensive?

One of the primary reasons for the high cost of IVF medications is the complexity of the drugs themselves. These medications are often biologics, which require a pricey production process using living cells.

What's more, most IVF medications are patented, brand-only medications. That means that patients don't have access to a more affordable alternative.

Here's more information on the price of each IVF medication.

Are IVF medications covered by insurance?

Insurance often won't cover most of the necessary IVF medications. And if they are covered, they come with heavy restrictions such as step therapy.

Patients may also need to meet requirements such as adequate hormone levels or a doctor's sign-off that there is a certain likelihood of conception.

Unfortunately, there are no standard coverage requirements for IVF care. Coverage for the diagnosis, medications, and procedures associated with IVF depends on which state you live in and what your plan covers. But only 17 states have insurance coverage laws for fertility benefits. And each state has its own definition of fertility.

Even in states where requirements exist, plans may not cover much. For example, some insurance plans will pay for the infertility diagnosis, but not the actual treatment. Others restrict the number of IVF cycles they will cover per lifetime.

Are there other ways to save on these medications?

As expensive as these medications are, there are a few ways to save:

• Use GoodRx. Shop around on goodrx.com to get the best price for your medications. Look up your prescription on the website or app and present the coupon to the pharmacist before you pay.

• Search for a copay card or patient assistance program. Since many IVF medications are brand-name drugs, they likely have copay cards or patient assistance programs that will give you a discount. To find one, search for your medication on goodrx.com and then look under "Ways to Save." Or search the web by typing in your drug name and "copay card" or "patient assistance program."

Get more information on IVF medications and how to save here.

Methodology

This analysis is based on the GoodRx List Price Index, a model created by GoodRx researchers. The index takes into account published list prices set by drug manufacturers for medications dispensed in community retail pharmacies. The list price index starts on December 31, 2013, using the 2013 fourth quarter drug mix and published list prices on December 31, 2013, and ends on August 15, 2024.

Medications included in the IVF List Price Index include clomiphene, Ganirelix, Gonal-F, Gonal-F RFF, cetrotide, Follistim AQ, Leuprolide, Menopur, Novarel, tamoxifen, Ovidrel, Pregnyl, Repronex, Bravelle, Soltamox, Femara, letrozole, Fyremadel, Crinone, Endometrin, and progesterone (vial). This cohort of medications is intended to include medications that are indicated to treat infertility, and it may not include all adjunct medications that may be used in a course of IVF. Additionally, some of the medications are also indicated for conditions other than infertility.

References

Resolve: The National Infertility Association. (2024). Insurance coverage by state.

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