Costco to offer reduced-cost access to IVF treatments and fertility care

Costco has partnered with Sesame and IVI RMA to provide virtual fertility intake, monthly pre-conception guidance priced at $99 for members and $119 for non-members, and access to discounted clinic services; the companies report medication savings up to 80% and other cycle cost reductions.

Costco is teaming with Sesame, a cash-pay healthcare platform, and IVI RMA, a fertility clinic network, to broaden access to fertility care including IVF and IUI. The program offers virtual fertility intake and diagnostic workups and a monthly pre-conception and early fertility guidance plan priced differently for members and non-members. Companies say patients who pursue specialized care will be connected with IVI RMA clinics for discounted services, and discounted drugs will be available through Costco's specialty pharmacy. The move responds to concerns about high out-of-pocket costs and long waiting lists for fertility treatment. Key details: - The partnership involves Costco, Sesame, and IVI RMA and covers virtual intake, diagnostic workups, and coordinated care referrals. - Costco members are offered a personalized pre-conception plan for $99 per month; non-members can enroll for $119 per month, as reported. - Sesame stated that IVI RMA clinical services are discounted but not included in the program fee. - The companies say medication discounts can reach up to 80% on drugs such as Follistim, with reported drug savings of roughly $1,000 to $5,000 per cycle. - IVI RMA is reported to have over 200 clinical offices globally, and Sesame noted that more than 85% of clinics are within 25 miles of a Costco store (per SELF reporting). - Sesame estimates people in northern California could save around $5,500 to $10,000 per IVF cycle under the partnership. Summary: The partnership is presented as a way to reduce out-of-pocket costs and shorten delays by offering virtual access, coordinated referrals, and discounted medications. Companies report large drug discounts and possible multi-thousand dollar cycle savings, with connections to nearby IVI RMA clinics to coordinate care. Undetermined at this time.