Applications for B.C.’s publicly funded IVF program now open
Applications for British Columbia’s publicly funded in-vitro fertilization (IVF) program are now open, allowing patients covered by the province’s Medical Services Plan (MSP) to access funding for one round of IVF. This program aims to support individuals facing infertility issues due to age or reproductive problems.
In-vitro fertilization is a medical procedure where an egg is fertilized by sperm outside of the body before being placed in a womb. The funding provided by the program will cover up to $19,000 per patient, helping to alleviate the financial burden associated with IVF treatments.
To be eligible for the funding, patients must be aged between 18 and 41, with exceptions made for those who turn 42 between April 1 and July 2, 2025. The application process requires the patient’s fertility doctor to apply on their behalf, due to the detailed medical information required.
The funding can be used for various aspects of a standard IVF cycle, including egg retrieval, sperm retrieval, fertilization, blastocyst culture, and single embryo transfer. However, egg freezing, also known as fertility preservation, is not covered under the program.
The initiative is receiving $68 million over two years from the provincial budget, bringing British Columbia in line with other provinces that offer coverage or reimbursement schemes for IVF treatments. The funding will be income-based, with households earning up to $100,000 qualifying for the full $19,000, while benefits phase out for households earning more than $250,000.
Health Minister Josie Osborne stated that the program is expected to fund between 1,100 and 4,500 IVF cycles in the current fiscal year. Dr. Ken Seethram from the Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine noted an increase in patient interest in IVF since the funding announcement, emphasizing the importance of financial support in accessing assisted conception treatments.
Overall, the publicly funded IVF program in British Columbia aims to provide essential support to individuals struggling with infertility, ensuring that more people have access to this critical medical procedure.
