Wednesday, November 12, 2014

IUDs from an Insurance Perspective

An IUD, or intrauterine device, is a small, plastic T-shaped device used to provide safe, continuously effective birth control.

The IUD is inserted by your doctor and will last years with no additional maintenance. If you are considering using one, here are some facts about IUDs and insurance that you should know.

Types of IUDs


There are currently two main types of IUD on the market today: hormonal and non-hormonal. Both types prevent pregnancy by causing the cervical mucus to become thicker, so that sperm cannot reach the egg.

The hormonal type, represented by Mirena and Skyla, does this by releasing small amounts of the hormone progestin daily. The progestin may also change the makeup of the lining of the uterus, so implantation of a fertilized egg cannot take place.

The non-hormonal type does the job through a copper wire, wrapped around the T.  Copper ions leaching into cervical fluids act as a spermicide, limiting sperm movement and fertilization.

Copper IUDs may also immobilize sperm as it travels to the fallopian tubes.

 

Cost of an IUD



The cost of an IUD, including doctor visits, insertion, and follow-up, will usually run between $500 and $1000. You’ll have to pay this cost up front, at insertion. However, because a hormonal IUD can last five or more years and a non-hormonal IUD may remain effective for more than 10 years, it is still a more cost-effective option than other forms of birth control.

Also, the up-front cost is basically all you have to pay. There are no maintenance costs, no ongoing payments to make, and you can have it taken out at a regular OB/GYN appointment. Because of this, many insurance companies will not balk at covering the costs.

 


Insurance Coverage



Under the Affordable Care Act, more commonly known as Obamacare, IUDs, along with sterilization procedures, are completely covered with no co-pays required. More than 100 health insurance providers now completely cover the costs you incur when having an IUD inserted and/or removed. However, you will want to check with your own health insurance to verify your benefits before you make a final decision.

From an insurance perspective, an IUD is a smart choice for most women because it is effective at preventing pregnancy - which comes with its own costs and benefits - and it’s cheaper than other forms of birth control over the long run.

Ultimately, you should talk with your OB/GYN, Dr. Laura Tsakiris, in order to determine whether an IUD is the right option for you. Once you have discussed it with a medical practitioner, you should find out if your insurance will cover it, or consider how willing you are to cover your own costs.

1 comment:

  1. I had my TL a little more than a year ago when my third child was born via c-section. I was not told ANYTHING about the possible side effects of having this proceedure. Since then I have experienced heavy bleeding lasting sometimes 3 weeks out of the month, weight gain, severe mood swings. Severe cramping, changes to my libido, severe depression accompanied by suicidal thoughts, headaches, migraines, many new symptoms & older issues are now exacerbated. The father of two of my children doesn't want me anymore. I've become too much of a pain in the ass I guess. We don't talk. We don't sleep in the same bed. I think he might really think I am crazy... & maybe I am. I feel crazy a lot of the time.
    I'm unpredictable. I feel so angry about the whole thing & now what was once a mild fear of doctors has exploded into full on white coat syndrome that causes me to have a panic attack/hypertensive emergency (severe increase in blood pressure) whenever I have to deal with them. I'm not sure what to do... I fear the next time I have to see a doctor I'll have a stroke or a heart attack from the stress & anxiety of it... what do I do? I take my time and keep searching on internet looking for natural healing that how I came across Dr Itua herbal center website and I was so excited when Dr Itua told me to calm down that he will help me with his natural remedy I put my hope on him so I purchase his herbal medicines which was shipped to my address I used it as prescribed guess what? I'm totally healed my cramp pain is gone completely I also used his Anti Bacteria herbal medicines it's works for me very well I want anyone with health problem to contact Dr Itua herbal center for any kind diseases remedies such as Parkinson, Herpes, ALS, MS, Diabetes, Hepatitis, Hiv/Aids,Cancers, Men & Women Infertility, I got his email address drituaherbalcenter@gmail.com he has any kind of herbal remedies for women & men also for our babes. I really miss my Hunni...he's a fantastic father & a good man. He doesn't deserve this. I feel like an empty shell of who I used to be.

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