Finance Roll

A common concern of our patients is how to pay for their tubal reversal surgery. Although tubal reversal surgery is affordable when compared to other fertility treatments, it can still be a challenge to find the $5,250 needed for the surgery.

With a little research and diligence, however, it's easy to save the money you need. Below are some of our patients' favorite options for financing their tubal reversal surgery.

Open a Health Care Flexible Spending Account: Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) are great for women planning to have a tubal reversal. They are offered either through your bank or your employer. Once setup, you deposit a certain amount of money into your FSA and that money is deducted from your taxable income at the end of the year, meaning you pay for your surgery with pre-tax dollars! This is a great way to save money on your surgery. As of 2012, tubal ligation reversal is an eligible healthcare expense for your FSA funds. Do note, however, that the IRS doesn't let funds roll over from year to year, so only use this option if you can have the surgery within the same year of depositing your funds.

Set up a payment plan with your doctor: Most doctor's offices, allow you to pay a certain amount every month into your patient account that the office will hold for you. While the entire amount is due in full before surgery, it is an easy way to consistently save towards your surgery. Think of it as a layaway option but for tubal reversal.

Open a savings account: Open up a savings account at your bank and have money automatically transferred into it from one of your other accounts every month. Not having to move the money into your savings helps ensure it's done and keeps you from spending the money on other things.

Check your insurance: While most insurance companies don't cover tubal reversal surgery, it's still worth your while to check! Call your insurance provider to discuss your options. If needed, the insurance codes for these procedures are ICD-9 = 628.2 and CPT = 58750. Note: If your insurance company says that some or all of the surgery is covered, be sure to get it in writing.

Cut expenses: Sit down and create a budget that will help you save money towards your goal of having another baby. Great places to cut expenses are dining out (including morning coffee runs), weekend entertainment (why not watch a movie at home instead of going out?), and shopping (clothes and gadgets can wait!).

Get a second job: Getting a second job or increasing your current hours worked will help that surgery savings to bulk up quickly. Consider working weekends, mornings, or nights, and put that money directly towards your surgery!