Page 9 - FSANZ WINTER -2022

New subsidies ease treatment cost pain
The IVF Medical Directors’ Group and the FSANZ have welcomed a decision by the NSW Government to provide additional funding support for couples seeking medical assistance for the diagnosis and treatment of infertility.
In an Australian first, women in NSW undergoing IVF and accessing other assisted reproductive procedures will be given a cash rebate of up to $2,000 to reduce treatment costs as part of the NSW Government’s 2022-23 Budget.
About 12,000 women who are using private fertility clinics will benefit from the rebate, while another 6,180 women will be given access to publicly supported IVF treatment under the package.
The $42 million Affordable IVF initiative includes enhanced publicly supported IVF clinics at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Westmead Hospital and Royal Hospital for Women and the establishment of the State’s first publicly funded fertility preservation service for cancer patients.
The NSW Government will invest in establishing a hub and spoke model that expands publicly supported IVF services to regional NSW. The funding package will also:
• extend rebates for pre-IVF fertility testing; and
• provide five days of paid fertility treatment leave for
teachers, nurses and other public servants across NSW.
The IVF Medical Directors’ Group and FSANZ have appreciated the consultative approach adopted by the NSW Government in working with fertility clinics in NSW and its recognition and endorsement of the robust self-regulatory scheme overseen by the Reproductive Technology Accreditation Committee (RTAC). Work will continue in partnership with the NSW
Government to ensure that support provided in this initiative will be targeted to provide patients with the maximum benefit that can help offset out-of-pocket costs of treatment.
Dr Richard Henshaw, Chair of the IVF Medical Directors’ Group, said it was hoped other State and Territory Governments in Australia would consider similar funding support initiatives for couples seeking treatment for infertility.
He also welcomed an announcement by the Victorian Opposition Liberal and National Parties that they would make fertility services for women in that State more affordable in government by introducing rebates of:
• up to $2,000 to undertake an initial IVF procedure using private fertility clinics;
• up to $2,000 to undertake a subsequent IVF procedure (if not successful with the initial procedure); and
• up to $500 for pre-IVF Fertility Testing.
Additionally, if elected to government, the Liberals and Nationals would deliver up to five days of paid fertility treatment leave for nurses, teachers, and other Victorian public service workers.
Richard Henshaw
Talks with Federal Government on proposal to subsidise cost of egg, sperm and embryo freezing
In May, the former Coalition Government announced that it would subsidise the costs of egg, sperm and embryo freezing for patients being treated for oncology conditions and those at risk of passing on genetic conditions to their offspring. The then Opposition Leader, Anthony Albanese, said the Labor Party would match this commitment if elected.
The IVF Medical Directors’ Group is now planning discussions with the newly elected Labor Government to determine the details and parameters of this funding initiative.
IVF Medical Drectors’ Group meeting in Sydney
Meanwhile, IVF medical directors from around Australia and New Zealand are being encouraged to attend the group’s meeting during the FSANZ conference in Sydney. The meeting will be held at the International Convention Centre from 12.15pm to 1.15pm on Sunday 31 July.
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