Lifestyle drug my aunt fannie! - Infertility Message Board

cathyw · 04-09-2003, 04:36 PM

Hello ladies, this is my first message, though I've been a silent observer for some time. I had a day today and just had to vent. You all know how it is!
To sum up, I have PCOS diagnosed last spring, ttc#1 for 2 years and some change, I'm on metformin 500mg bid, and just started my 5th round of clomid, did 3 rounds last summer but due to another health issue, accessory neuropathy, longer story, DH and I took a break, just starting the gluc up again in the new year, and just started round 2.
So as to the reasons why I've had a day...My insurance company changed things on me and no longer covered my Clomid. I called them to have words and they told me they put Clomid on their list of "lifestyle drugs". The lady was nice enough about it, but something about that term just set me off. What the hell is that? I'd love to see this list, what is it marijuana, cocaine, though honestly most likely along with things like Viagra. However this sent me into a crying jag, and a minor breakdown, at work no less. Lifestyle drug, like I would ever choose this!?! I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy, the emotional rollar coaster...a lifestyle drug, like this is my choice, or any of our choices. Do these insurance bozos have any idea what this is like? Lifestyle, my aunt fannie!
See, I'm getting all worked up all over again.
Anyway, I just needed to vent, and end my silence.
-C

old flo 1 · 04-09-2003, 05:29 PM

Lifestyle drugs ?
What a joke !!!!
Any one suffering from infertility and wants to have a child needs to take the drugs to conceive .
Its not like were all having one big party here shooting hormones for kicks . I bet they cover all pre + post op meds
for elective surgurys like face lifts + boob jobs though. I dont mean to offend any one who have had those proceedures . I strongly believe that infertility meds should be covered or at least partially covered by all health insurance plans

tmerone · 04-09-2003, 06:45 PM

I like how these insurance companies pay for drug addicts to go to rehab over and over! I think there should be a limit to how many times they will pay. Here we are ttc using legal drugs and they won't pay. Makes you wonder!! makes me mad and sad!!

TessaL · 04-09-2003, 08:17 PM

Okay- I'm going to defend the ins companies- *ducking*

The group you are part of (assuming your ins is through your or your dh's employer) is who decides what benefits you get. The ins companies would LOVE to cover EVERYTHING for EVERYONE and get the highest premiums, but the employers tell what they want the benefits to be.

If your insurance won't cover infertility treatments, then raise cain with your group. I've seen people get things changed.

OTOH- I used to have a company that didn't pay for Clomid. I got the generic at Walgreens and only paid about $30 a month.

I hope your day gets better.

cathyw · 04-09-2003, 08:34 PM

Tessa,
Actually my company's corporate benefits hotline is who told me about the "list". I hunted through all my benefits crap, found a reference to a list, but no actual list. So, yeah, Cargill did choose to not cover this, but the funny thing is they'll cover 50% of injectibles and standard office visit and hospital copays apply, though they set a limit of number of times they'll cover IVF and stuff. It really makes it sound like they cover more of the more invasive procedures.
Can anyone give me an idea how much these other procedures cost? Having only gotten as far as the gluc and clomid I am unsure of the next step.
Cathy