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Affording Treatment

Nest Egg Foundation Offers $10,000 Grants to Infertile CT & NY Residents

July 8th, 2020 | 5 min. read

By Lisa Rosenthal

1 in 8 couples will face infertility, a medical condition affecting reproductive and hormonal systems. Although acknowledged by the American Medical Association (AMA) as a medical disease, many insurers specifically exclude or limit coverage for this treatable condition. In fact, there are 16 states in the US that have had to legislate insurance mandates (bills or laws) that require varying levels of health coverage.

Even when a person challenged with infertility has coverage, oftentimes, it has limitations on usage, restrictions on what types of fertility treatment cycles are covered, and other reasons why a person might be responsible for out of pocket expenses for necessary medical treatment.

IVF – The Gold Standard of Treatment for Infertility

While not every person needs to undergo IVF (in vitro fertilization) treatment to build their family, it is acknowledged in the reproductive endocrinology field that IVF is the gold standard of necessary treatment for many individuals, including those with fallopian tube disease and sperm complications. It is often IVF that is specifically excluded from an insurance policy.

IVF in Connecticut

If you are a Connecticut state resident, you live in one of the 16 states that has a mandate.

The CT state fertility mandate is helpful to many people trying to conceive. It specifically covers up to 3 intrauterine inseminations (IUI) and 2 IVF cycles. After that, Connecticut state residents with no other insurance coverage are on their own to pay for fertility treatment.

No one should have to leave medical treatment without a baby because they don’t have enough health coverage and can’t afford the expense of necessary medical treatment.

Enter the Nest Egg Foundation Fertility Grants

In Connecticut, a group of dedicated individuals decided to do something about those without medical coverage and other means to pay for IVF. The Nest Egg Foundation came into being in 2015 and has been helping build families ever since.
“Nest Egg Foundation Inc. is a Connecticut-based tax exempt 501(c)(3) not for profit organization. Founded in 2015, the organization provides financial grants for IVF treatment to those who have been unable to start their families due to financial need. Nest Egg Foundation is a collaborative effort between medical and financial professionals, attorneys and others who care about building families and want to help those who cannot afford fertility treatments. Nest Egg Foundation aims to give an opportunity to those struggling with infertility via education and access to treatment.”

Amy Matton, Vice President of Nest Egg Foundation, has this to say about participating in this effort. 

“We’re so pleased and grateful this year to have a former fertility patient step forward and offer a 10k grant specifically for someone who needs egg donation to build their family. The grant is named after their son, Ryder, and is offered to help another person and to bring awareness to egg donation as a strong family building option.”

The window for applications for Nest Egg Foundation grants is open, closing at the end of July.

Should you apply? Do you qualify? What do you need to do?

Those questions, answers and more are below!


Am I Eligible for a Nest Egg Foundation Fertility Grant?

The first requirement for a New Egg Foundation grant is that you must reside in Connecticut or New York and be a U.S. citizen. If you do not meet these requirements, here are some resources for other fertility grants where you may meet the eligibility requirements.

Are LGBTQ+ Persons Eligible for this Grant?

Absolutely yes. The Nest Egg Foundation has a strict nondiscriminatory policy.

Are Patients Using an Egg Donor Eligible for this Grant?

Yes! There is actually a grant available through The Nest Egg Foundation specifically for those using egg donation called The Ryder Grant. Patients can apply for this grant here. 

My Health Insurance Doesn’t Cover IVF (and Neither Does the State Mandate)

If you live in Connecticut/New York, and you and your doctor/medical team have determined you need IVF and neither your health insurance, nor the State mandate covers you (or you’ve exceeded the coverage offered), then you may be eligible. Look carefully at the other requirements before doing so.

How Much Does the Nest Egg Fertility Grant Cover?

Each Nest Egg Foundation grant will cover up to $10,000. Any costs that exceed that amount will be the responsibility of the recipient.

What Parts of IVF are Covered by the Grant?

The Nest Egg Foundation grant can cover the IVF treatment cycle, embryo, egg or sperm cryopreservation, embryo testing, cycle costs related to egg or embryo donation, surrogacy, and cycle medications (up to $10,000).

Do I Meet the Age Requirement?

Grant applicants must be between ages 25-44. There are also specific requirements about test results, which can be found here.

How Do I Apply for the Nest Egg Foundation Grant?

Nest Egg Foundation has a set of 5 qualifying questions- you can access them here.

When Will I Find Out If I’m Selected as a Final Grant Recipient?

Announcements will be made to the grant recipients in the fall of 2020. There is no exact date at this time.

Where Do I Have to Go For Treatment if I do Get the Nest Egg Foundation Grant?

“Grant funding can be used at one of the two Connecticut Centers of Excellence, the Center for Advanced Reproductive Services (CARS) and Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut, PC (RMA of CT).”

Can I Apply to the Nest Egg Foundation for Secondary Infertility?

Nest Egg Foundation grants are only from those challenged by primary infertility (no previous live births).

Have Past Recipients of the Nest Egg Grants Been Successful

It is with great pleasure that we can answer with a resounding yes to this question! There are 6 families that have grown due to the grants provided by Nest Egg Foundation.
Several of the grant recipients have agreed to share their happy stories here.

Nest Egg Foundation Facts

  • There have been fourteen grants awarded since 2015
  • 7 babies born!
  • 4 ongoing pregnancies

If you’re a Connecticut or New York resident and are paying out of pocket for IVF, apply for the Nest Egg Foundation grant. Review the application carefully and apply. Financial help may be closer than you think.

Apply for the $10,000 grant today.

Lisa Rosenthal

With 35+ years experience in the fertility field, as well as navigating her own infertility, Lisa has dedicated her life to advocating for and supporting those struggling to grow their families. Her work includes serving as Illume Fertility's Patient Advocate, Strategic Content Lead, and founder of Fertile Yoga, as well as advocating for those with infertility at RESOLVE, Resolve New England, and other organizations.