In an effort to alleviate the financial burden of fertility treatments, Costco has unveiled a new initiative that offers its members significant savings on fertility medications. This move, facilitated through a strategic collaboration, promises to reduce drug costs by as much as 80%.
Long renowned for its value-oriented pricing on everything from groceries to fuel, Costco is now venturing into the realm of healthcare savings. The retail giant has partnered with Sesame, a marketplace for cash-pay healthcare services, and IVI RMA North America, a leading fertility clinic network, to extend this benefit to its members.
The high cost of fertility medications, often essential for procedures such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), can be a substantial barrier for many hopeful parents. Recognizing this, Costco aims to make these necessary treatments more accessible through its new program, which promises substantial price reductions on specific fertility drugs.
Through this initiative, Costco members pursuing fertility treatments can immediately tap into Sesame’s comprehensive fertility care coordination. This service encompasses thorough diagnostic workups and guides patients along their journey to specialized treatment. When advanced care is needed, patients are seamlessly referred to one of IVI RMA North America’s associated fertility clinics, ensuring they receive appropriate and timely specialty care.
Costco said the program could cut the price of certain fertility drugs by up to 80%.
How the new partnership works
Costco members seeking fertility treatment gain immediate access to Sesame fertility care coordination for complete diagnostic workups and a path to specialty treatment. Patients needing specialty care would then be referred to IVI RMA North America, which has a network of fertility clinics, when medically appropriate.
The fertility medications would be fulfilled by Costco, with exclusive pricing for members that includes savings of up to 80% on medications like Follistim, an ovarian follicle-stimulating hormone, through pharmacy programs, according to Monday’s announcement.
The program is now available nationwide at
Infertility affects 1 in 6 people around the world.
“Our partnership with Sesame and IVI RMA reflects our commitment to transparent and affordable solutions that reduce barriers, are more accessible, and more affordable for our members,” said Richard Stephens, Senior Vice President of Pharmacy at Costco. “By combining transparent pricing with coordinated care, we’re removing the barriers that have historically kept quality fertility treatment out of reach for too many families.”
CNN Newsource contributed to this report.
