A publicly funded in vitro fertilization (IVF) support program has been launched in British Columbia (BC), with applications beginning on July 2nd.
The program provides up to $19,000 in subsidies for one IVF treatment to BC Medical Service Plan (MSP) subscribers. The age limit is 18 to 41 years old (at the time of application), and applications must be made through a fertility specialist. Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.
The amount of the grant is determined by household income: those with a pre-tax household income of up to $100,000 can receive the full amount up to $19,000, after which the grant amount is gradually reduced and ineligible for households with an income above $250,000.
The program will be implemented by three institutions: Olive Fertility Centre, Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine, and Grace Fertility and Reproductive Medicine. If patients need to travel long distances to the hospital, the Travel Assistance Program will be applied, and eligible patients will receive partial subsidies for travel expenses.
Niamh Tallon, clinical medical director at Olive Fertility Centre, one of the implementing organisations, said in a statement that the programme is groundbreaking for fertility patients who rely on advanced reproductive medicine and joins other states that have introduced similar schemes as an important step towards achieving more equitable access to fertility care.