Texas Fertility Center Logo
Texas Fertility Center Group

What TFC Is Doing To Help the Infertility Community

Out of pocket? What TFC is doing to help the infertility community

Caring for patients involves more than infertility diagnosis, treatment and resolution. Texas Fertility Center physicians and staff spend time, here in Austin and Washington D.C., advocating for those faced with infertility. These efforts include building awareness among our legislative delegation about infertility, supporting legislation that positively affects our patients, and calling for changes in insurance coverage for infertility.

Garnering support for the Family Act of 2011

Recess is over for our nation’s legislators and they now return to work to vote on the issues that matter to Americans. Texas Fertility Center advocates for and encourages current and former TFC families, including Facebook friends and Twitter followers, to contact their representatives in support of the Family Act of 2011 (S 965/HR 3522).

This act calls for a $13,360 lifetime tax credit for couples pursuing fertility treatment. Similar to the adoption tax credit that passed in 2003, the Family Act of 2011 opens doors to people who might otherwise not be able to afford treatment.

Educating industry on the benefits of insurance coverage for infertility

According to the National Conference of State Legislators, only 15 states, including Texas, have laws that require insurers to either cover or offer coverage for infertility diagnosis and treatment.

The scope of coverage, however, varies widely from employer to employer. Texas Fertility Center diligently works with Fortune 500 companies, small businesses and insurance companies to help broaden coverage of infertility. For example, Drs. Thomas Vaughn and Kaylen Silverberg testified before the Texas legislature to get legal protection for patients using donor eggs, donor sperm and donor embryos in Texas. Our physicians also actively work with many managed care companies to expand insurance coverage for donor gametes.

Dr. Kaylen Silverberg is currently writing a chapter, “Why Insurance Companies Don’t Cover IVF” for a book slated for release in late 2012. Watch for news on the TFC Facebook page and website.

Consulting with elected officials on fertility healthcare issues

Dr. Silverberg, representing the Texas Fertility Center physicians and staff, regularly travels to Washington to give voice to families dealing with the ramifications of infertility. Dr. Silverberg also serves as an advisor to Congressmen Michael McCaul, Lamar Smith, and John Carter on issues related to infertility.

While you are undergoing the rigors of fertility treatment, you may not have the emotional reserve to tackle advocacy. Trust that your Texas Fertility Center team works tirelessly on your behalf. If you would like to learn more about infertility advocacy, contact us or visit the RESOLVE website. Resolve provides state-by-state fertility insurance coverage facts and the current legislative status of the Family Act of 2011.

Leave a Reply

Like Us on Facebook