How to Save on IVF Medications: A Guide for Self-Pay Patients
IVF is expensive—but there are ways to make medications more affordable.
For many patients paying out of pocket for IVF, the cost of fertility medications can be one of the biggest financial hurdles. With medication expenses ranging from $4,000 to $7,000 per cycle, it’s important to know where you can cut costs without compromising care.
The good news? There are programs and strategies that can help lower your out-of-pocket costs—especially if you’re a self-pay patient. In this article, we’ll walk you through practical ways to save, including pharmacy tips and two major discount programs: the Compassionate Care Program and the ReUnite Assist Program.
1. Know What You’re Paying For
Fertility medications include hormone injections to stimulate the ovaries, trigger ovulation, and support implantation. Common drugs include:
• Gonal-F / Follistim / Menopur – stimulate egg development
• Ganirelix / Cetrotide / Lupron – prevent early ovulation
• hCG or Lupron trigger – help eggs mature before retrieval
• Progesterone & estrogen – support early pregnancy
These medications are essential—but they’re also expensive. Planning ahead can help reduce costs.
2. Apply for the Compassionate Care Program
The Compassionate Care Program (by EMD Serono) offers eligible patients up to 75% off select fertility medications like Gonal-F and Cetrotide.
Who qualifies?
• Self-pay patients without full insurance coverage for IVF meds
• Must meet income requirements
• U.S. residents only
Benefits:
• 10%,25%, 50%, or 75% discount based on income
• Simple online application
• No obligation to use EMD Serono products if not approved
How to apply:
Visit www.fertilitysavings.com to apply or ask your clinic for help with paperwork.
3. Use the ReUnite Assist Program
The ReUnite Assist Program provides discounts on Follistim and other fertility drugs through a network of participating pharmacies.
Who qualifies?
• Patients paying out of pocket (with or without insurance)
• May offer discounts for military, veterans, cancer survivors, and educators
• Also available to those using egg/sperm donors or gestational carriers
Benefits:
• Discounted pricing on multiple fertility meds
• Transparent cost structure
• Multiple income-based tiers
How to apply:
Go to www.reuniterx.com and click on “Patient Savings.”
4. Compare Fertility Pharmacies
Don’t fill your prescription at the first pharmacy you’re referred to. Specialty fertility pharmacies often have lower pricing, bundle discounts, and better support.
Tips:
• Ask for quotes from 2–3 fertility pharmacies
• Check if they offer generic options or compounded meds
• Ask if they match competitor pricing
Some well-known pharmacies that offer IVF discounts:
• Freedom Fertility
• MDR Pharmacy
• Alto Pharmacy
• Integrity Rx
• NewEra Pharmacy
5. Look for Clinic Partnerships or Samples
Ask your clinic if they:
• Partner with specific pharmacies for lower prices
• Provide free medication samples (especially for progesterone, Lupron, or Ganirelix)
• Offer bundle pricing that includes some meds in IVF packages
Clinics may also have financial counselors who can help you navigate discounts.
6. Use HSA or FSA Funds
If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), use it to pay for medications tax-free. Just make sure to keep receipts for your records.
Final Thoughts
Being a self-pay IVF patient is financially challenging—but there are tools, programs, and options that can make the journey more affordable. Start by asking your clinic for a detailed list of medications and then apply to savings programs like Compassionate Care and ReUnite Assist as early as possible.
Every dollar saved on medication is a step closer to your family.