Costco’s New Fertility Program Could Cut IVF Medication Costs by up to 80 Percent
A new partnership may help women save thousands on out-of-pocket expenses and expand IVF access
Imagine if your Costco membership—the same one you use for bulk paper towels and rotisserie chicken—could also help make your dreams of starting a family more affordable. Thanks to a groundbreaking new partnership between Costco, Sesame and IVI RMA North America, that’s now a reality. This program is making in vitro fertilization (IVF) accessible to thousands more women who thought it was out of reach. Here’s everything you need to know about this new Costco partnership that can help you save on fertility medication.
What is IVF?
“In vitro fertilization, or IVF, is a form of assisted reproductive technology in which eggs are retrieved from the ovaries, fertilized with sperm in a laboratory setting and then the resulting embryo is transferred into the uterus,” explains Maral Malekzadeh, DO, board-certified gynecologist and co-owner of The Well Westlake. “The process allows physicians to bypass certain biological barriers to conception, such as blocked fallopian tubes, ovulatory disorders, male factor infertility or age-related declines in egg quality. IVF also gives clinicians the ability to closely monitor embryo development and, in some cases, perform genetic testing prior to transfer. For many patients, this approach provides a pathway to pregnancy when natural conception is difficult or unlikely.”
IVF costs can be staggering
Dr. Malekzadeh says that IVF costs can vary depending on a person’s individual treatment plan and the clinic where they undergo treatment. Generally in the United States, one cycle of IVF can cost anywhere between $15,000 and $25,000, factoring in lab services, physician monitoring and medications. She adds that many people will find they need more than one cycle.
Woman's World Answers
You may be wondering if insurance will protect you from the hefty costs. “Insurance coverage is inconsistent and often inadequate,” says Christy Lane, PhD, co-founder of Flora Fertility. “Only 15 states have IVF coverage mandates, and even within those states, the requirements vary widely.”
“Employer-based coverage is also limited,” adds Lane. “It’s typically offered only through larger organizations because of the high cost to employers, and benefits are often capped around $20,000, which covers less than half of what many people ultimately spend on treatment. If your employer is providing fertility insurance, that coverage also disappears the moment you change jobs.”
How Costco can help you save on fertility medication
Great news for Costco members interested in more affordable fertility care: According to a press release from March 9, 2026, people with a Costco membership can get access to Sesame’s fertility services, starting with a comprehensive evaluation and support navigating next steps in treatment. Medications used during fertility therapy are available through Costco pharmacy programs at savings of up to 80 percent. If more advanced procedures are recommended, people may then be referred to IVI RMA clinics for additional fertility treatments with discounted pricing. The Costco partnership could potentially save patients thousands of dollars on fertility medication.
Dr. Malekzadeh says programs like this that lower fertility costs can be especially beneficial for people whose insurance offers limited fertility benefits or for those who do not have coverage at all.
“Lowering medication costs can also be helpful for patients who may require multiple cycles, as cumulative expenses often become the greatest barrier to continuing treatment,” adds Dr. Malekzadeh. “In that sense, cost-reduction programs may broaden access to care for a larger segment of patients.”
“Costco’s model reflects this larger shift we are seeing in the fertility space, where people are looking for new ways to access care because the traditional routes, either employer coverage or out-of-pocket payments, aren’t enough to cover the full spectrum of treatments,” adds Lane.
When should you consider fertility testing?
“In general, couples under the age of 35 should consider evaluation if they have been trying to conceive for one year without success, while those over 35 are typically advised to seek evaluation after six months,” says Dr. Malekzadeh. “Earlier assessment may be appropriate for individuals with known reproductive conditions such as irregular cycles, endometriosis, prior pelvic surgery or male factor concerns. Fertility declines gradually with age, particularly due to changes in egg quantity and quality, so timely evaluation can be important.”
The bottom line on Costco’s discounted fertility meds
Navigating fertility challenges and treatment can feel complex and expensive, but here’s the thing: By understanding your fertility status and keeping up with programs that may help lower the financial burden, you’re already taking steps to support your body through this journey.
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