With 2009 behind me, maybe this year I can look forward to finally achieving a long awaited pregnancy. My renewed optimism also comes with the double edged sword of knowing that the cost of IVF has increased yet again. This time however, it is not my clinic that has raised its prices by 15%, this time it is the Government that increased the price to end consumer.
So from the 1st January 2010, changes to the Medicare Safety net in Australia will push the price of IVF up by $1500. The rebate has also been capped potentially pushing the final cost of IVF up further. I also have the joy of knowing that if I do become pregnant, the cost to use a private obstetrician will be another $850. Coinciding with this change is new legislation that came into force from 1st January that would be Victorian parents must now provide Police Record and Child Protection Checks to access IVF treatment.
On a positive note, Single Women and Lesbian Couples can now undergo IVF treatment in Victoria – but the catch is that they need to be declared medically infertile before they can be eligible for the Medicare rebate. This could put strain on existing services adding to fears of lengthy delays in accessing IVF. As a consequence, not only are all IVF recipients worse off financially they will be paying for more for poorer service!
Should be an interesting year ahead, if not a more expensive one!
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