Open Enrollment is Here: How to Find Fertility Coverage in Georgia
Open enrollment is your once-a-year chance to pick a health plan that covers fertility care. Before you choose, find out if the plan covers IVF and medications, how much it will pay, and whether your clinic is in network.
It’s that time of year again. Open enrollment emails are landing in your inbox, and it’s tempting to click “keep my current plan” and move on. But if you’re hoping to grow your family in the next year or two, taking a few extra minutes now could save you a lot of money later.
Here’s a simple guide to help you choose with confidence.
Know Your Deadline
If you get insurance through work, your employer will set the enrollment dates. Most companies hold open enrollment in October or November for coverage that starts in January, so check with HR for your exact deadline.
If you buy your own insurance, Georgia has its own marketplace called Georgia Access. Open enrollment there usually starts November 1.
Once the window closes, you generally can’t switch plans until next year unless you have a big life change, like getting married or starting a new job.
Five Questions to Ask About Any Plan
You can typically find most answers in your plan’s “Summary of Benefits and Coverage,” or by calling the number on the back of your insurance card.
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- Does it cover IVF? Some plans cover fertility testing but stop short of treatment. Ask specifically about IVF.
- Are fertility medications covered? Medications can be a big part of the cost, so this one matters/
- Is there a lifetime limit? Some plans cap fertility coverage at a dollar amount or a set number of cycles.
- Who qualifies? Ask about how the plan defines infertility and whether single people and LGBTQ+ couples are covered.
- Is my clinic in network? If your employer uses a fertility benefits company, check which clinics are included.