The cost of in vitro fertilization (IVF) medications has surged by 84% over the past decade, far exceeding a 37% average price increase in list prices across all prescription drugs, according to new data from the GoodRx List Price Index.1 This rise adds to an already expensive treatment, making the therapy increasingly prohibitive.
Medications in the report included 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).
Key Takeaways
- The cost of IVF medications has risen significantly since 2014, far outpacing the average price increase of all prescription drugs.
- The high cost of IVF, combined with limited insurance coverage and the possibility of multiple unsuccessful cycles, can create a significant financial strain. This burden can also lead to emotional distress, including feelings of guilt, inadequacy, and a higher risk of divorce.
- To address the challenges faced by those seeking IVF treatment, advocates are calling for increased public funding and stronger legislative support. However, the issue remains divisive, with recent legislative efforts to expand access facing opposition.
Several factors contribute to the high cost of IVF medications. As biologics, they are complex and expensive to manufacture, and as patented, brand-name drugs, patients have limited access to more affordable generic alternatives.
A single IVF cycle can range from $15,000 to $30,000,2 with medications accounting for a substantial portion that insurance often doesn’t cover. If a patient does qualify for coverage, restrictions or prerequisites, such as requiring specific hormone levels or a doctor’s fertility assessment, act as additional barriers. What’s more, coverage varies by state, and each state has its own unique definition of infertility.
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Although specific medications used in IVF vary between patients, they are essential for the egg retrieval process. However, multiple unsuccessful IVF cycles can exacerbate financial burdens associated with their basic cost, making the process inaccessible for many. This is a pressing issue, especially for those of low socioeconomic background, as infertility affects about 1 in 6 people of reproductive age worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.3
The financial strain of IVF can exacerbate psychological distress, as well. Evidence from the National Bureau of Economic Research reveals that infertility can lead to poorer mental health, including feelings of guilt and inadequacy, and even a heightened likelihood of divorce.4 Together, the financial burden and emotional toll of IVF can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life.
To address these challenges and improve access to IVF treatment, advocates have called for increased public funding and stronger legislative support. However, much like abortion, the issue remains divisive. In June 2024, Senate Republicans struck down the "Right to IVF" act, which would have guaranteed nationwide access to IVF and other fertility treatments, as well as expanded access through insurance.5 Additionally, an Alabama Supreme Court ruling equating IVF embryos with children has prompted at least 14 other states to explore similar restrictions.6
Still, an estimated 2% of babies in the US are conceived through IVF annually.7 Policy changes to bring down the cost of IVF medications could expand access and bridge access disparities to the fertility treatment.
“Millions of people face catastrophic health care costs after seeking treatment for infertility, making this a major equity issue and all too often, a medical poverty trap for those affected,” said Pascale Allotey, director of sexual and reproductive health and research at WHO, in a news release.3 “Better policies and public financing can significantly improve access to treatment and protect poorer households from falling into poverty as a result.”
READ MORE: Women's Health Resource Center
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References
4. Wu L, Sun L, Wang J, et al. Psychological distress among women undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer: A cross-sectional and longitudinal network analysis. Front Psychol. 2023;13:1095365. Published 2023 Jan 5. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1095365
7. Fact sheet: In vitro fertilization (IVF) use across the United States. Fact sheet. HHS. March 13, 2024. Accessed October 15, 2024. https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2024/03/13/fact-sheet-in-vitro-fertilization-ivf-use-across-united-states.html
