Written by: Hillary Redwine, cross posted
When a gestational carrier has her own insurance policy that will cover a surrogate pregnancy, it is a huge benefit for intended parents (IPs), helping them save on the overall cost of surrogacy, which runs upwards of $100,000. In some cases, it is one of the deciding factors for IPs in choosing a surrogate. However, only about 50% of gestational carriers have such a policy.
Purchasing an insurance policy
When IPs need to secure coverage for their gestational carrier, their best option is to purchase a health insurance plan during the national open enrollment period, held annually from Nov. 1 – Dec. 15. IPs can purchase a regular major medical plan off the exchange (also known as the Affordable Healthcare Act or Obamacare) that will save them $10,000 or more than if they were to purchase a private insurance policy outside of the open enrollment period that only covers the surrogate pregnancy. At Surrogate Solutions, we partner with ART Risk Solutions to help IPs secure a plan that has been vetted to ensure it does not have a surrogacy exclusion.
Open enrollment extension
Due to COVID-19, the federal government has extended the open enrollment period for 2021 through Aug. 15. For gestational carriers who need insurance coverage, the extension means they have more time to match with IPs who can secure coverage for them at a reasonable rate.
“With the typical six-week enrollment period, there is often pressure for intended parents and surrogates to match by the enrollment deadline. The extension allows for more flexibility in 2021,” says Katy Encalade, executive director for Surrogate Solutions. “Potential surrogates who need an insurance policy can be just as attractive to IPs as those who already have coverage because there is more time to purchase a regular major medical policy versus having to buy a private plan at a much higher price that only covers the surrogate pregnancy.”
Have you considered becoming a surrogate? Now is the time!
If you’ve been thinking about how you can help create a happy family as a surrogate, we encourage you to apply in advance of the Aug. 15 enrollment deadline. We currently have more than 50 intended parents waiting to be matched with a surrogate, and you could be the one they are waiting for!
Please visit www.surrogateinformation.com to learn about the qualifications to become gestational carrier, the compensation and overall surrogacy process. You can also apply to become a surrogate directly through the website. If you have questions, our team at Surrogate Solutions would love to connect with you!
We help Intended Parents Create Happy Families via Egg Donation & Surrogacy with the help of
caring Egg Donors & Surrogates.
Why use an agency, Surrogate Requirements, Can I be a Surrogate?, Facts about Surrogacy, Information on surrogacy, What our agency can offer you , Surrogacy FAQs, Families who need you, Learn more, Apply now.
