Associate Professor Gamal Matthias of Sydney Reproductive Immunology, says it’s a great move and will provide families with some relief from their medical and financial issues.
“When you add this payment to the Medicare rebates that are available, it should go a long way and is certainly a step in the right direction,” he said.
“A lot of patients may suffer in silence if they have been trying for a baby for a while and I would say seek treatment as early as possible; the quality of a woman’s eggs starts to drop off in the 30s, the longer you leave it to start a family, the greater the potential risks.”
Treasurer Matt Kean says the rebate is the first of its kind in Australia and builds on earlier NSW Government initiatives that make fertility treatments more affordable.
“Around 12,000 eligible women will benefit from the new fertility treatment rebate as part of the NSW Affordable IVF Initiative from this month onwards,” Mr Kean said.
“This funding will mean more women won’t have to choose between looking after their household budget and starting a family.”
To be eligible for the fertility treatment rebate, a woman must be a resident of NSW and have incurred an out-of-pocket cost from an accredited private provider from October 1.
Cash boost of $2,000 to aid women in fertility treatment
A CONDELL Park gynaecologist and fertility specialist has praised a NSW Government initiative which will see women undergoing fertility treatment eligible for a cash rebate of up to $2,000 from this month.