1、 Background of IVF expense reimbursement policy
IVF is a kind of assisted reproduction technology, which artificially transfers the fertilized eggs into the mother's uterus to help infertile couples achieve their fertility aspirations. However, the medical expenses involved in IVF are often expensive, which may be difficult for some families with poor economic conditions to bear. In order to solve this problem, the government has formulated a policy for reimbursement of IVF expenses, which aims to reduce the economic burden of patients and promote the development of fertility.
Some developed countries, such as Britain, Canada and Australia, began to implement the IVF expense reimbursement policy decades ago, while China's IVF expense reimbursement policy was relatively late. Nowadays, the IVF expense reimbursement policy has been implemented in many regions of mainland China, which has reduced the burden of patients through a series of measures and has been welcomed by the masses.
The specific contents of IVF expense reimbursement policy will be introduced from four aspects.
2、 Applicable objects of IVF expense reimbursement policy
The IVF expense reimbursement policy is applicable to infertile couples who meet certain conditions. First of all, both husband and wife must go through relevant medical examination and be diagnosed as infertile. Secondly, the age of the couple should meet the medical requirements. The age of women is generally not more than 45 years old, and the age of men is generally not more than 55 years old. In addition, both husband and wife must have certain economic strength, and the detailed economic conditions shall be formulated by the local implementation unit. On the basis of meeting the above conditions, couples can enjoy the benefits of IVF expense reimbursement policy.
3、 Reimbursement scope of IVF expense reimbursement policy
The IVF expense reimbursement policy mainly covers the following expenses: medical examination expenses, assisted reproductive technology expenses, surgery expenses, drug expenses and hospitalization expenses. Specifically, medical examination costs include gynecological examination of the woman, sperm examination of the man and a series of comprehensive examinations; The cost of assisted reproductive technology includes the operation cost of IVF, embryo culture cost and embryo transfer cost; The operation cost includes the operation cost of egg retrieval and endometrial transplantation; Drug costs include the costs of ovulation promoting drugs and hormone drugs used; Hospitalization expenses refer to the expenses incurred when IVF babies need hospitalization.
It should be noted that the IVF expense reimbursement policy does not clearly stipulate the upper limit of the expense reimbursement proportion, and the specific reimbursement proportion is determined by the implementation unit according to the local economic development level and financial strength. Therefore, the reimbursement proportion of IVF expenses may vary in different regions.
4、 Implementation of IVF expense reimbursement policy
The specific implementation of the IVF expense reimbursement policy varies from region to region. Taking Beijing as an example, the Beijing Municipal Commission of Health issued the Administrative Measures for IVF Technical Services in 2019, which defined the specific content and implementation requirements of the IVF expense reimbursement policy. According to the regulations, the reimbursement rate of IVF expenses in Beijing is no less than 50%, and some regions have implemented the policy of full coverage of expenses. In addition, Beijing has also set up a special fund for IVF expenses to support the reimbursement of IVF expenses.
Not only Beijing, but also other provinces and cities have introduced IVF expense reimbursement policies, constantly improving policies and measures, increasing the proportion of expense reimbursement, so that more infertile couples can afford the medical expenses of IVF.
Summary
The introduction of IVF expense reimbursement policy is to reduce the economic burden of infertile couples and promote the healthy development of fertility. The policy is applicable to infertile couples who meet certain conditions. The reimbursement covers various expenses, and the specific proportion varies from region to region. At present, all parts of China are actively promoting the implementation of the IVF expense reimbursement policy, providing viable birth options for infertile couples, and gradually promoting the further development of China's fertility cause.
