HOME » Infertility Basics
From INCIID the Heart - The first and only national IVF scholarship program.
Last Updated: 9/12/2008
- Who is eligible to receive a scholarship
- How long will this take? Is this program right for me?
- How does the INCIID IVF Program Work
- What if I've had cancer?
- What is considered medical need for IVF?
- How do I apply?
- Why do you require INCIID registration and a donation?
- What if I am already a donating member at a different level?
- I am waiting for just my physician letter to complete my application. Can I send part of the application and the rest later?
- How do I check my application status?
- Is the selection process blinded or anonymous? Does the committee know the name of the person they are selecting?
- Can I hire a company to complete my application?
- When will I hear about the decision on my application?
- Should I contact INCIID to see if my application has been reviewed or received?
- How will I know if I have been selected for a donated cycle?
- Do I qualify if I've had a tubal ligation or vasectomy?
- What is a Finalist?
- Why is there a fund raising commitment?
- How are applicants selected to receive a donated cycle?
- Is there on age limit on who may apply for a donated cycle?
- Can I use my own clinic?
- Can I still apply if I need donor eggs or a surrogate?
- How often will the Committee meet and make decisions concerning the applications?
- How many applicants will be awarded a cycle during any particular review period?
- How many cycles will I receive?
- How long will my application be under consideration?
- Is the cycle FREE or are there other fees associated with it?
- What donated services are included?
- What is NOT included in the cycle?
- Who is the committee?
- Which clinics are a part of the INCIID the Heart program?
- How do I get my application?
Who is eligible to receive a scholarship
- You must be registered and participating with the INCIID Community.
- If you are NOT already a registered member, you can register here FIRST. This form is for registration only.
- You must be an annual donating community member at the Bronze or higher level. The cost for a bronze annual level is a minimum of $55.00. Donate Here The donation form is for donations ONLY not registration.
- **You must meet the American Society for Reproductive Medicine definition of infertility. There must be documented medical need for the procedure. (i.e. blocked tubes, unexplained infertility, endometriosis, POF, male factor, female factor etc.). INCIID requires a letter from a reproductive medicine professional stating the medical need for IVF.
- There must be financial need. INCIID requires financial documentation. A committee determines financial need.
- The applicants can have no insurance coverage for IVF
- Some type of medical coverage is preferred
-
Applications are considered by the committee one time. After that,we will let you know about any IVF studies that come up if you are interested in that information.
- Applications are kept for two years in accordance with our records policy and then shredded.
-
The program is not a grant. No money or financial help is provided. The IVF procedure is provided by reproductive specialists who donate their time, expertise and facilities.
-
Applications with the required criteria go into a pool of applicants. A stand-alone volunteer scholarship committee selects from this pool. Selection is based on the compelling nature of an applicant's circumstances, their fertility history, financial situation and a number of other determining factors. As with any scholarship, not all who apply and meet the criteria will become finalists.
-
While consideration will be given to those who already have one child, preference will be given to those with no children.
** The From INCIID the Heart program exists because of the generosity of contributing doctors. As such the INCIID program requires that applicants meet the American Society for Reproductive Medicine's definition of infertility. Infertility due to voluntary medical procedures such as a vasectomy or tubal ligation do not generally fall under this guideline. There may be extenuating circumstances contributing to a situation which are evaluated by the Heart Committee on a case-by-case basis. Exceptions, however, are EXTREMELY RARE and are not relevant in cases where one or both applicants have a child or children.
**All recipient/finalist cycles are subject to a final medical review and determination on whether the donated treatment is appropriate for the recipient. INCIID may make changes in policies, procedures, offerings, and requirements at any time. All finalists are subject to a fund raising requirement for INCIID.
How long will this take? Is this program right for me?
Like other scholarship applications, you can expect the processing of your application to take anywhere from 6-10 months after INCIID acknowledges receipt of your papers. If the application is incomplete it can take longer. Read and reread the FAQ carefully. This program is not right for everyone. It can be tedious, time consuming and invasive. If you don't have the time to put in or to wait, if you don't want to be vocal about your situation or your story, the From INCIID the Heart Program may not be a good fit for you and/or your partner. Only you can make the decision on whether this program is right for you. The timelines can be lengthy and are dependent on many other individuals, participating clinics and companies working with us and different personnel schedules. Among "some" of the events that influence timelines are: Applicants come from all over the United Stqtes, each coming with a unique set of circumstances. Once applicants are selected as finalists and they meet their fund raising requirement, they are matched. Matching is a complex process We work as closely as possible with scholarship recipients to make their experience as positive as possible. Some clinics donate a series of cycles and ask us to stagger them throughout the year while others may donate one or two cycles, specific requirements or requests. Timelines will always vary by applicant and their personal circumstances. We appreciate your patience with us while we give each application and applicant the time and attention it deserves.
How does the INCIID IVF Program Work
The From INCIID the Heart IVF Scholarship program is designed to help individuals and couples who have financial and medical need for IVF but who are without insurance to cover it and who are without children (with some exceptions). There are millions of infertile couples in the U.S and many of those, approximately will need IVF treatment to have a chance at building their families through medical treatment.
The majority of those who suffer with infertility have no insurance coverage for IVF and its associated medications, which can range in cost between $15,000 to $20,000 per couple. INCIID has arranged for a number of respected IVF clinics in the U.S. to donate their expertise and state-of-the-art facilities so that patients who do not have the financial resources may have the opportunity to build a family using donated services. The program will cover most of the basic IVF expenses with donated services. The INCIID program is not a grant. INCIID does not pay a recipient's expenses. Couples with financial and medical need may be eligible for participation. Final committee selections and decisions take cost-of-living in different regions of the country into account.
Applicants are required to provide copies of their most recent tax returns and paystubs and supply a letter from their doctor recommending IVF as medically necessary. Those selected will also partner with INCIID and have a small fund raising requirement. Our goal is to give those without insurance coverage an opportunity to fulfill their dream of becoming parents. Please read the entire FAQ and then download the packet.
What if I've had cancer?
If you are a cancer survivor and want to apply, we welcome your application along with other scholarship applicants. It would be beneficial and helpful to the committee to have your oncologist write a letter on your behalf. S/he should give an overview of your medical condition, treatment and outcome. S/he should also provide a release or approval to move forward with infertility treatment.
What is considered medical need for IVF?
The necessary medical criteria for the IVF procedure (for a scholarship applicant) is defined as being deemed absolutely necessary in treating a patient and the omission of such could adversely affect the patient's condition or ability to conceive. IVF should be the appropriate treatment for symptoms, diagnosis, or treatment of the medical fertility condition; It would not be primarily for the convenience of the applicant or to correct an elective procedure preventing conception unless this procedure/s was deemed absolutely necessary in treating a patient and where the omission of such treatment would adversely affect the patient's health.
How do I apply?
- Read the entire FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) BEFORE making application.
- GET the NEWEST VERSION of Adobe's FREE Reader. Your version should be a 6.X or greater to download the application. You will have an opportunity to download the packet at the end of the FAQ.
- Mail the completed application to: From INCIID the Heart, PO Box 6836, Arlington, VA 22206
- INCOMPLETE applications will be returned to the applicant. There will be a $25.00 processing fee with resubmission so be very careful to complete the application. If you have a question about the application process email us here: INCIIDInfo@inciid.org
- Once INCIID receives your application it is prepared and processed by INCIID staff members to go to the committee. The applications are logged in, dated and then screened to be sure all required documentation is provided. An email will be sent to applicants to let them know the application has been received so you must have a working email address that you check frequently. The applicant should receive a second email when applications are ready to go to the committee members. If you have a question about your application or the process, please contact us via email.
- The From INCIID the Heart scholarship program was established by INCIID in April 2004 to assist those facing significant financial and medical barriers to creating a family. INCIID wanted to honor its constituency by providing donated IVF services to those who otherwise would not have not the chance to build their family. The program was modeled after various scholarship programs as well as the New York State Grant program.
- The INCIID IVF program is designed for INCIID Community Members.
All phases of the recipient scholarship selection is handled for INCIID by an all volunteer and independent committee. Committee members have no formal association with INCIID, they are not volunteers except in their capacity as heart committee members. They are not paid or compensated in any way. The applications are sent to the committee in their entirety and there is a legal policy set in place should any conflict of interest arise.
Why do you require INCIID registration and a donation?
One of the eligibility requirements is to be a donor at the Bronze level or higher. This was implemented because we believe all applicants should support INCIID and the costs of administering this and other INCIID programs.
Although the IVF cycles have been donated, there are many costs associated with reviewing the records and administration of the program. The donation will defray some of our costs.
What if I am already a donating member at a different level?
If you are already a donating member at a lower level, you can donate the amount equivalent to the Bronze level and upgrade your membership. For example, you may donate $25.00 then decide to apply to the scholarship program. In this case, just donate $30.00 more and the amount will be credited to your account ID within 24 hours.
I am waiting for just my physician letter to complete my application. Can I send part of the application and the rest later?
Please do not send a partial application. The demand for scholarship IVF cycles is much higher than the annual number we have to give away. Processing each applicant is a careful and time consuming effort. We must have a complete application in order to ready the application for the committee. If the application is not complete it will be returned to you and you will need to complete it and resubmit it with $25 processing fee.
How do I check my application status?
- The most common form of communication for this program will be through email.
- Therefore BE SURE you have a working email address.
- Be sure you have an active ACTIVATED User Account.
- Be sure you have posted and are active in the INCIID Community Forum Area
- We respectfully ask you DO NOT email or CALL asking about your application status, the committee status or about any other timelines associated with the program. We think honoring INCIID's request is an important part of the application process. We know it is hard to wait but to carefully process the applications takes time and if every applicant called us, we would never get any applications reviewed and sent to the committee.
- If there is a need to contact us.
- Be sure when you write to include your INCIID Community Member User Name and full name and write to us from your registered email account. Otherwise you may not receive an answer.
Is the selection process blinded or anonymous? Does the committee know the name of the person they are selecting?
This is a "Scholarship Program" --- There are no scholarship programs that we know of using a blinded application process. The program elements have been carefully determined by legal advisors - including a policy for conflict of interest should it arise. To date, however, such a conflict has not arisen. Committee members do not nor have they ever had a personal relationship or knowledge of the persons selected.
Can I hire a company to complete my application?
No, it is important for you to participate with this process, to become part of the INCIID community if you are not already and to educate yourself on the best possible way to build your family.
When will I hear about the decision on my application?
If an applicant's circumstances change during the application process (i.e. increased income, adoption, unexpected pregnancy, medical treatment including an IVF cycle) it is imperative that INCIID be notified. Lack of notification can void or delay a scholarship award.
Should I contact INCIID to see if my application has been reviewed or received?
Please do not contact us asking about your application status. We move the process as fast as we can but somtimes it can take several months before it goes before the committee.
How will I know if I have been selected for a donated cycle?
Applicants who have become finalists for a donated cycle will be notified by email and/or telephone as soon as the committee designates their application as such.
Do I qualify if I've had a tubal ligation or vasectomy?
The From INCIID the Heart program exists because of the generosity of contributing doctors. As such the INCIID program requires that applicants meet the American Society for Reproductive Medicine's definition of infertility. Infertility due to voluntary medical procedures such as a vasectomy or tubal ligation do not generally fall under this guideline. There may be extenuating circumstances contributing to a situation which are evaluated by the Heart Committee on a case-by-case basis. Exceptions, however, are EXTREMELY RARE and are not relevant in cases where one or both applicants have a child or children.
What is a Finalist?
A finalist is an applicant selected and designated by the committee to receive a donated cycle pending final approval by the donating clinic. The medical professionals donating the cycle have final approval.
Please note that donating medical service providers may request additional testing for specific individual cases. This additional diagnosis and/or treatment is not included in the basic IVF cycle. There are generally other expenses above the donated medical care. When matched with a clinic, the medical care and expenses as a result of this care are between doctor and patient.
Why is there a fund raising commitment?
Beyond family-building, INCIID has a mission:
1. Every scholarship recipient should be an ambassador and promoter of INCIID Programs
2. Every recipient should be 100% supportive of INCIID's mission and programs. As an advocate and a partner with INCIID helping to raise infertility awareness, giving compassionate support to others who find themselves in the same circumstances, and education, we expect your full support of this mission to serve the community.
Recipients who are selected by the stand alone Heart Committee will have a fund raising commitment/requirement to INCIID of $3000 before being matched with a donating clinic. The money does not come from the consumer but instead is raised (with INCIID's support) by the scholarship recipients for charity and in support of INCIID's family-building mission.
Just as those who seek treatment, are partners in their care, INCIID believes those who need our help will become partners and more than just recipients of donated treatment. Through active fund raising for INCIID, these scholarship recipients invest some of themselves in the organization that supports all those suffering with infertility and multiple pregnancy loss.
Everyone who works to build awareness through INCIID's cause is passionate about helping others through education and infertility awareness. By helping others they find they also help themselves. The result will be a self-sufficient and supportive program branching out like the branches of a tree with friends, family/relatives and others raising awareness for services and programs we offer while giving us a wider audience to tell some of the incredible INCIID stories.
Read the fund raising FAQ here:
How are applicants selected to receive a donated cycle?
All applications are reviewed by an independent committee and selected based on a variety of criteria including medical history, personal statement, financial need and the compelling nature of the applicant’s circumstances. In addition, the medical history of Finalists will be reviewed by the donating clinic to determine whether the Finalist is a good candidate for the procedure.
INCIID believes that an educated, supported and informed patient has the best chance of success. As a scholarship applicant we expect participation with others online in the INCIID interactive forums, not only to help yourself but also to help others who struggle with infertility and pregnancy loss.
Is there on age limit on who may apply for a donated cycle?
There is no age limit. Be aware however, participating physicians will make a determination of whether the applicant is suitable for the IVF procedure. For example, generally women in their 40's have egg quality issues and may require donor eggs. Donor stipends are not included in the IVF cycle. If a candidate/finalist needs a donor the scholarship will generally cut their expenses in half. Final medical decisions are up to participating physicians. If you are a women with maternal age issues, and decide to proceed, your chances of selection are increased by letting the committee know you will probably need to use a donor.
Can I use my own clinic?
The medical services are "donated" from various clinics around the United States. While it is possible to use a geographically close clinic, INCIID sends recipients only to those clinics who have chosen to become part of the program through a donation of cycle/s. If your clinic is a participating clinic and you are chosen as a recipient, you can go to your clinic. Clinic locations span from the coast to coast.
If your clinic has an interest in donating cycles, please have them call INCIID directly at: 703-379-9178 or email us at INCIIDinfo@inciid.org
INCIID is continuously speaking with physicians who are interested in donating and participating in the "Heart Program". While your clinic may not be participating when you apply, it is possible your physician may become interested during the process of application and selection. INCIID makes every effort to match you with the best possible clinic for a successful outcome.
Can I still apply if I need donor eggs or a surrogate?
Individuals who need donor eggs or sperm or need surrogacy services (or any other service not covered by the program) will be considered for selection, however, the applicant must be able to cover the cost of these additional services if granted an INCIID Heart cycle. A list of the services covered by the program is included in the application packet. Click here to download the application packet.
How often will the Committee meet and make decisions concerning the applications?
The committee tries to meet every 3-4 months (schedules permitting) throughout the year to review all current applications. Applications will be considered only one time.
How many applicants will be awarded a cycle during any particular review period?
There is no set minimum or maximum number of cycles that the Committee will grant in any given committee period. How many cycles awarded depends on how many have been donated. For example, the committee may have 25 applications to review. They will select approximately 30% as finalists.
The number of cycles is like an ebb and flow. We have clinics coming on board with the program continually. Cycles are donated, recipients are chosen, matche then cycles are replaced with other donations. For example, in the first year of the program the Heart Committee reviewed more than 120 applicants and awarded approximately 45 IVF cycles to 39 recipients. There were 12 pregnancies, 5 miscarriages and 1 live birth. The selection rate (applicants as opposed to cycle recipients) during the first year was about 33%.
How many cycles will I receive?
The committe makes their final decision on a case-by-case basis.
Treatment is equitable and fair for all applicants and recipients. Whether or not a second cycle is granted, depends on the donating physician and the individual case. Once you consult with a donating physician, your medical needs and treatment are between you and your treating physician.
Please be aware that cyles and medications are scarce and second cycles are only provided in rare instances. This is why applications can only be considered by the committee one time. INCIID has been successful in finding studies for patients and will let you know about any IVF trials that may come up if you are interested in that information. Applications are kept for two years in accordance with our records policy and then shredded.
How long will my application be under consideration?
Applications are considered by the committee one time. INCIID may let you know about any IVF studies that come up if you are interested.
Is the cycle FREE or are there other fees associated with it?
The cycles are NOT FREE. Yes. There are a number of expenses associated with traveling for medical treatment: Hotels, Long Distance Calls, Food, etc. The INCIID program does not cover any travel expenses. There are some medical services that are not covered either. The services generally covered are "in house" services a clinic or practice has donated. With many out patient procedures, clinics contract outside services and these would not be covered.
What donated services are included?
Generally, a basic IVF cycle is donated by a facility. This includes the treatment and physician services and monitoring at the designated clinic. The following is generally covered:
- Ovarian monitoring consisting of serial ultrasounds and
- E2 /Lab assays beginning with the start of suppression therapy;
- Egg retrieval;
- Transfer of Embryos;
- Fertility Medication for stimulation of the ovaries to produce eggs (in most cases) . However this can change as medications for ovarian stimulation are dependent on donations from the originating manufacturer of the product. Medications are donated directly from the pharmaceutical company. Therefore the program and/or committee may designate different levels of service for different circumstances dependant on the donations available at the time applications are chosen and individual needs of applicants.
What is NOT included in the cycle?
Generally the following is NOT covered:
- Any/all pre-cycle work-up/screening;
- Anesthesia (unless done in house - this is on a clinic by clinic basis)
- There are some medications that are NOT included. Medications are donated and the program and/or committee may designate distribution of certain medications which may be limited. We have donated medications for the purposes of stimulating ovarian production only and other medications i.e. birth control pills, antibiotics and/or down regulating drugs (etc.) are not included.
- Any/all donor/surrogate-related services, fees and stipends
- Cryopreservation of Embryos
- PGD
- Any services rendered by a provider Other than the donating clinic or facility
- Other medical services and medications (decided on a case-by-case basis)
Who is the committee?
The Committee is comprised of volunteers from varying walks of life including former IVF patients and health care professionals. Generally, members are college educated professionals who comprise much of the same demographic as the INCIID virtual community. They are between the ages of 30-60. Those serving on the committee of between 5-7 individual are volunteers. There are no INCIID staff members, I-Hosts, or community volunteer leaders or support volunteers who serve on the committee. Committee members are not compensated in any way. A reproductive endocrinologist works closely with the committee members should the need arise to consult or to answer questions about medical history or suitability for IVF. However, because one of the program's criteria requires a medical referral, the RE is not involved in the selection of applicants. If the need does arise, the committee has access to medical input from a well-qualified reproductive endocrinologists as well as reproductive attorneys etc.
Scholarships have long been useful to promote equity in a profession or trade. INCIID believes a person's pocketbook should not prohibit them from medical treatment to try and have a baby. It is for this reason the committee members serve --- to promote financial assistance through donated IVF cycles to those who otherwise might not ever have a chance to conceive and build their families through treatment.
INCIID created, oversees and administers this program. INCIID processes all applications to make sure that they are complete. Complete applications are then sent to a committee of volunteers for selection of recipients. The Committee consists of a diverse cross-section of the public including those in business, nonprofit work, and the field of medicine. Committee membership changes from time to time to keep diversity in the process. The majority of committee members are not INCIID members and have never participated on INCIID’s website or forums. The intent is to keep the committee independent and unbiased. The membership of the committee is not revealed to help insure its independence during the selection process. For example, it would not be appropriate for applicants to contact committee members as it could void their scholarship.
NOTE: All recipient/finalist cycles are subject to a final medical review and determination (by the donating clinic) on whether the donated treatment is appropriate for the recipient. The Heart Program is supported by generous donations and contributions from both individuals and corporate members.
Which clinics are a part of the INCIID the Heart program?
A number of different clinics throughout the United States have donated cycles. The numbers of clinics and placements may fluctuate as more INCIID partners are added to this important program. At this time If you subscribe to INCIID Insights Newsletter, you may find information about some of the doctors who participate. As part of the virtural INCIID community you automatically receive the INCIID Insights Newsletter
NOTE: All recipient/finalist cycles are subject to a final medical review and determination (by the donating clinic) on whether the donated treatment is appropriate for the recipient. The Heart Program is supported by generous donations and contributions from both individuals and corporate members.
How do I get my application?
Be sure to update your version of Adobe Reader before downloading the application packet. Once you've updated Adobe Reader, get your application packet here: HERE
