In January, qualified veterans could begin to receive in vitro fertilization reproductive assistance via a new medical benefit accessible through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
It’s the last stage of a law that was passed last year with the aim to help vets who suffered devastating injuries pertaining to their reproductive system — to start a family of their own.
It can be viewed on the fed’s official register by clicking here.
It’s open “for public comment” until March 20.
Anyone familiar with this particular fertility treatment will know — it’s by no means inexpensive. And through this subsidized avenue, it’s only open to those vets who incurred the injury doing their service.
“Veterans who will receive this benefit are those with a service-connected disability that results in the inability of the veteran to procreate without the use of fertility treatment,” states the law.
Those without “service-connected reproductive injuries” do qualify, however, for VA benefits that include infertility counseling, blood testing, vasectomy and tubal litigation reversals, as well as various prescription medication.
Any veteran interested in taking advantage of the benefit — and they have a reproductive injury documented — can call their local VA to schedule an appointment.
The temporary law is a major change from the VA’s previous policy on the matter. While the treatment was offered in the past to America’s military, it was to only active-duty service members, after a bill passed in the 1980s made it unattainable through VA benefits, and only through the Department of Defense.
A basic IVF treatment can run well over $12,000 (and well, well beyond) and that’s before necessary post-procedure medications, which run well into the thousands per prescription.
For decisions beyond qualification, veterans can utilize FertilityIQ, an online portal and community where one can find the right doctor, local facility and specific treatments to make the process as easy and comfortable as possible.