New York is one of the most expensive states for IVF patients to be treated, as a single IVF cycle costs $24,000 on average. According to our data, fewer than 38% of New York State residents have an insurance policy that covers IVF-related costs, and so most patients pay fully out-of-pocket.
Each year, the New York State legislature disperses $1 million in funds to 13 - 17 clinics within the state that perform more than 100 IVF cycles annually and achieve a 30% success rate. Best we can tell, these are the clinics that were awarded money for 2017 - 2018: Albany IVF, Columbia, Infertility & IVF Medical Associates, Long Island Fertility, Maimonides (and Genesis fertility), Montefiore, NYU, North Shore, RMA, Reproductive Specialists of NY, St. Luke’s, Sher Institute, University of Rochester, Cornell, and Westchester Fertility. You can find each of them at FertilityIQ.
Each clinic decides which patients it will use its money towards subsidizing. There are a handful of criteria handed down from the state, namely the patient must be a state resident, be 21 – 44 years of age, have tried to conceive for one year (though we believe LGBT couples are eligible), earn less than $195,000 annually, and be seen by a reproductive endocrinologist.
If a patient satisfies these criteria, a clinic can select them. Most clinics want use the money for patients who otherwise could not be paying customers, and who have a good enough prognosis to keep clinic success rates high (which determines how much money the clinic receives the next year). Typically, the state urges the clinics to offer only one cycle to a recipient, but the clinic does have leeway to offer a second free cycle if they choose.
While most doctors say they do not decide who gets selected, most nurses and administrators claim otherwise. Clinicians who go to bat for their patients often get their way. Today, we estimate fewer than 5% of New York patients are aware of the program, and so by making a case for why you should be selected for the program, you will likely stand-out.
By and large, clinics tend to keep a waiting list of those interested in the program. In New York City and Long Island, as soon as funds are dispersed, administrators start calling down the list. Upstate, clinics seem to be more patient, using the money throughout the year. Even if you are not planning to cycle for a year or so, it may be worthwhile to make an appointment, register your interest, complete the paperwork, and see if you move up the list.