Comparison of IVF Shared Risk Plans: ARC (1/4)

As our insurance covers fertility diagnosis only, it was time to explore more ways to finance an IVF treatment aside from paying out-of pocket completely. Well, technically, these programs still require us to pay out-of pocket but they may still be of some help .

They call these “shared risk plan” because the patient and the provider shares that risk of failure to bring home a baby. They share the risk by the patient paying a known fixed payment, typically with a premium; while by the provider providing a partial refund when a “live birth” is not produced.

Anyway, I looked into ARC, Integramed and OBP. Below is what I found out about ARC (Advanced Reproductive Care, Inc). I will do another post on IntegraMed and OBP since each one may take up a lot of space.

ARC (My current fertility clinic, T, is affiliated with ARC)
ARC’s webpage is a bit confusing to me - its content seems to be “circular”. So it took me some time to differentiate the various things they offer.

1. IVF Packages

• One-cycle Plus - 1 fresh and 1 frozen embryo transfer
• Two-cycle Plus - 2 fresh and 2 frozen embryo transfer
• Three-cycle Plus - 3 fresh and 3 frozen embryo transfer (Everyone qualifies!)

2. Refund

• ARC Refund Guarantee is an add-on plan where some of the money you paid for IVF will be refunded to you if you do not have a “live birth” after receiving the IVF treatment/s .
• This are links to ARC’s write-up or visual on the Advantages of Purchasing Three-Cycles Plus with Refund Guarantee Vs. Purchasing IVF Cycles One-At-A-Time. Caution… Sales Pitch!
• There is not much information on how much will be refunded but I suspect, it will be based on age, clinical risk factors and how many IVF cycles are used.
• Everyone qualifies for the Refund, but you have to first qualify for any of the above IVF packages.

3. DISQualifications for IVF Packages - You cannot find these in their webpages but these “key factors” are buried in their PDF Application form. “If you have any of these factors, you will not qualify for the Select Program. However, you can still participate in the Classic 3-Cycle Refund Program, which accepts all patients.”

• 38 years or older unless using donor eggs (treatment must finish by 38th birthday)
• Abnormal uterus
• Body Mass Index over 30
• FSH and Estradiol levels over normal limits
• Untreated Hydrosalpinx
• Low Antral Follicle Count
• Prior failed IVF cycle or miscarriage

4. Application

• ARC has a $75 non-refundable processing fee that will be used towards the treatment if you proceed in getting into one of their IVF Packages.
• You can only find out if you qualify and what the cost quotes are after submitting your application. Of course, we all know that the cost will be based on age and clinical factors.
• Application forms are available online by PDF download. You need to Fax/Mail back the completed form. They do not accept emailed application forms.

5. Financing and Other Programs

• Aside from the 3 IVF Packages and Refunds, ARC offers plans for various medical services (IUI, tubal reversal, donor egg, etc) and Pharmaceutical care (ARC Pharmacy Plan)
• ARC Affordable Payment Plan is through Capital One Healthcare Finance or CareCredit. You still have to qualify separately with them.

…..

As for me… Obviously, I only qualify to their “Classic 3-Cycle Refund Program, which accepts all patients.” I have not proceeded with sending my application form to ARC though because we are now seeking second (and third) opinions from other providers.

How about you? What was your experience with ARC? If you can, please describe your case/plan, how much your package costs and what you liked/learned from it.