WHY NOW IS A GREAT TIME TO BECOME A SURROGATE
The Covid-19 pandemic has cast its shadow over most things, including family planning. Now more than ever before, individuals and couples are looking for surrogates to help make their dreams of parenthood come true. As a result of all this uncertainty, many women are asking themselves, “Should I move forward with being a surrogate in 2022?” If you’re like many women considering becoming a surrogate, you’ve known for a long time that this is something you want to do. But deciding when to start the surrogate process may not be an easy decision.
- Often, women are hesitant to start the process as it may not be a good time for them to be pregnant. This concern is completely understandable, although it can be difficult to find the “perfect” time to be pregnant! It’s important to keep in mind that the surrogacy process takes time and there are a number of steps you will need to take before ever becoming pregnant. Which is why you may want to consider getting started on this journey sooner rather than later. As a surrogate candidate, you do have some influence on the timing of the steps in the process.
- At Pathways To Parenthood, we know how much you and your family will sacrifice to help another person realize their ultimate goal of becoming a parent — and we feel that you deserve to be compensated fairly in return. That’s why we offer a competitive compensation package for all our surrogates. Contact us today to learn about customizing your compensation package.
- We have many intended families waiting to be matched with a surrogate to grow their families! Amazing surrogates are needed now more than ever!
To help you decide if now is right time for you to become a surrogate, we have information to share from an experienced surrogate who recently started the process to become a surrogate again!. We sat down (virtually) with Surrogate Annie to see why now is the right time for her.
What first brought you to surrogacy? What first brought me to Surrogacy was the fact that I absolutely loved being pregnant. I loved everything right down to the delivery. And I love helping others! Surrogacy is the perfect combination of these two factors. Once my second son was born and our family was complete, I started researching Surrogacy. I knew I was done creating my family and was ready to help others build theirs.
Why did you decided to become a surrogate again? Why now? Since my last surrogacy journey ended back in 2017 another journey has always been on my mind, but the timing was not right. I was raising two young sons and really wanted to concentrate on being there for them. Now that they’re both a little older, I feel it’s a great time to add one more journey to my story. Plus, there are so many families that had to put their family building plans on hold due to COVID, that are in need of a surrogate, I knew now was the right and best time to get started. I hate knowing some families have been on hold for 1-2 years, and now are having to wait to be matched with a surrogate.
Do you have any advice to share with prospective surrogates? First off if you’re even considering becoming a surrogate, you’re already a rock star! Surrogacy is an amazing gift to give a family and it is important to put your whole heart in it. The process can be long but it’s so worth it. My best advice is to find an agency much like Pathways To Parenthood that will have your back and help you through any difficult decisions or questions that you have during the process. If you are considering becoming a surrogate, don’t wait! There are so many people waiting to start their family and need your help. Pathways To Parenthood can answer any and all questions you have to ease your mind and help you make the best decision for YOU!
Why did you decide to be a surrogate with Pathways To Parenthood? Choosing Pathways To Parenthood was an easy decision for me. I wanted an agency close to home and one that felt like family. From the first conversation I had with Pathways I knew they were the agency for me. There are so many large agencies out there, but I didn’t want to feel like just a number. I wanted to have open and responsive communication between me and my agency. The staff at Pathways To Parenthood is exceptional and talking to them is like talking to a friend.
Surrogacy is a gift unlike any other and one that only a woman like you can give to hopeful parents. If you’ve decided to become a surrogate, or if you know other women considering surrogacy, now is an opportune time to join our agency. If you live in the Midwest, we are the surrogacy agency for you! You can contact us at 913-469-5500 or at www.pathwaystoparenthood.com
Understanding Surrogacy Insurance: What You Need to Know
For both surrogates and intended parents, navigating the complexities of insurance coverage can be overwhelming. Many people are surprised to learn that not all health insurance policies will cover surrogate pregnancies, and there are currently no laws requiring providers to offer surrogacy coverage. As a result, both surrogates and future parents must be proactive in determining the best way to cover medical expenses for a surrogacy pregnancy if coverage is not offered in the surrogate’s private health insurance policy.
Understanding insurance options in all potential scenarios is crucial before proceeding with the surrogacy process. Understanding the costs for providing alternate insurance for your surrogate, if necessary, is essential for intended parents when establishing the potential costs of surrogacy. It is important for women who plan to become a surrogate to know whether their personal insurance policy has exclusions related to their pregnancy as a surrogate.
Without accurate information and professional guidance, unexpected insurance and medical costs will create financial surprises and challenges. This guide will answer common questions about surrogacy insurance, clarify what is covered, and help you make informed decisions before starting your surrogacy journey.
Does Health Insurance Cover Surrogacy?
One of the first questions intended parents and surrogates ask is whether traditional health insurance policies cover surrogacy. The answer to this question depends entirely on the surrogate’s specific insurance policy. Some insurance plans include surrogacy exclusions, meaning they will not cover a pregnancy if the policyholder is acting as a surrogate. When there is not an exclusion and coverage is offered, co-pays, deductibles and co-insurance vary widely. For best possible outcomes, it is essential for all parties to be fully informed and prepared before proceeding with a surrogacy pregnancy.
Before committing to the surrogacy process, intended parents should consider other insurance needs related to their surrogacy journey. These include short-term disability insurance, life insurance and loss of reproductive organ insurance policies for your surrogate. It is also helpful to learn what coverage is available for the baby after birth, and when coverage begins. Consulting with an experienced surrogacy agency can help with learning about insurance needs, clarify coverage options, and ensure all parties are prepared and protected.
Insurance for Surrogates: What You Need to Know
Many potential surrogates wonder whether they need to have their own health insurance to qualify for the process. While having personal health insurance coverage is preferred, it is not required. However, every surrogacy pregnancy must be covered by some form of insurance to protect all parties against surprise medical expenses. During the agency screening process, insurance professionals review the surrogate’s existing health insurance policy to determine whether it includes coverage for surrogacy.
If a surrogate’s policy does not cover the pregnancy, the intended parents are responsible for securing an alternative plan. Some intended parents choose to purchase a specialized surrogacy insurance policy, which is explicitly designed for surrogate pregnancies. Others may opt for an Affordable Care Act (ACA) plan, depending on availability during the open enrollment period. Sometimes, intended parents may pay for medical expenses out of pocket. Because surrogacy medical costs can be substantial, it is important to explore all available insurance options and ensure there is a plan in place before proceeding with the journey.
Insurance Considerations for Intended Parents
Intended parents are legally responsible for ensuring all necessary medical expenses are covered throughout the surrogacy journey. This means they are responsible for the cost of the surrogate’s insurance expenses, whether that means covering co-pays and deductibles for her existing policy, purchasing a specialty plan, or securing an entirely new policy for their gestational surrogate. Additionally, intended parents are responsible for any and all medical expenses related to prenatal care, labor and delivery, and any potential complications that may arise that are not covered by insurance. This is typically the amounts paid in the category of co-pays, deductibles and co-insurance.
One aspect of surrogacy insurance that often surprises intended parents is that a surrogate’s insurance does not extend to the baby after birth. While the surrogate’s policy may cover maternity care, it does not provide coverage for the newborn. To avoid unexpected expenses, intended parents should confirm with their insurance provider whether their current health plan will cover their child from birth or if additional arrangements need to be made. Contacting the insurance company before delivery will ensure your baby is properly insured from day one.
Are There Insurance Restrictions for Surrogates?
Some situations may prevent a woman from qualifying as a surrogate due to insurance restrictions. One of the most common barriers involves government assistance programs such as Medicaid. Women who receive Medicaid benefits may not be eligible to act as surrogates because Medicaid considers all surrogacy-related compensation income. Since Medicaid has strict income limits, payments received under a surrogacy contract could make a surrogate ineligible for benefits.
Beyond government assistance programs, insurance coverage for surrogacy varies significantly by state. Some states have more accessible ACA plans that allow coverage for surrogate pregnancies, while others have stricter exclusions. Because state laws impact surrogacy agreements, insurance options, and medical costs, working with a surrogacy agency that understands these complexities is essential. An experienced agency can help both surrogates and intended parents navigate insurance requirements based on their specific state laws and policies.
How Pathways to Parenthood Helps You Navigate Surrogacy Insurance
Understanding surrogacy insurance can be challenging, but working with an experienced agency can make the process much easier. At Pathways to Parenthood, we assist both surrogates and intended parents in reviewing insurance policies, finding the best coverage options, and ensuring all medical expenses are accounted for. Our team has extensive experience in navigating the legal and financial aspects of surrogacy so that you can move forward with confidence.
If you are a prospective surrogate, we can help determine whether your existing insurance policy covers surrogacy or if additional coverage is needed. If you are an intended parent, we can guide you through the process of securing the right insurance for both the surrogate’s pregnancy and your baby after birth. With expert support and guidance, you can avoid costly mistakes and focus on the journey ahead.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your surrogacy journey, contact Pathways to Parenthood today for expert guidance on insurance coverage and more. We are here to help you every step of the way!
If you’re ready to take the next step in your surrogacy journey, contact Pathways to Parenthood today for expert guidance on insurance coverage and more. We are here to help you every step of the way!
Final Thoughts on Surrogacy Insurance
Navigating surrogacy insurance is an essential part of the process for both surrogates and intended parents. Since no federal laws require insurers to cover surrogacy, and policies vary widely, it is important to review insurance options early to avoid unexpected costs. By working with a knowledgeable surrogacy agency like Pathways to Parenthood, you can ensure that all medical expenses are adequately covered and focus on what matters most—the journey to building a family.
With the proper planning and support, surrogacy insurance does not have to be overwhelming. Pathways to Parenthood is here to help every step of the way. Start your surrogacy journey with us today!
Surviving the Holidays When Everyone But You Has A Baby!
The holiday season is kicking into full swing, and it can be stressful, even in the best of circumstances. The holidays are a time for family, which can mean it’s a time riddled with all kinds of unpleasant feelings, especially if you’re trying to start your own family. Thanksgiving dinner is where we all take a moment to reflect and count our blessings, even though many have yet to receive the only blessing they’re hoping for. And then there are Christmas and Hanukkah where stories of miracles are abundant. Finally, New Year’s Eve has everyone casting their wishes for the upcoming year. If you are going to be seeing your family member that can’t help but constantly ask when you are going to have a baby, your holiday can be even more challenging. The good news is that there are some things you can do to help enjoy the holidays and make them a bit less stressful. So, instead of hiding under your covers from Thanksgiving until New Years, we’ve got some tips to help navigate one of the most wonderful times of the year.
- Have your response ready. The chances of somebody asking you an inappropriate question about when you’re going to have kids is high over the holidays. Instead of being caught off-guard, have your answer ready so you don’t have to stress about what to say. If you find yourself in the middle of an uncomfortable conversation, don’t be afraid to switch the subject. Be direct if that doesn’t work. Say you really don’t want to talk about this right now. It helps if you say it all with a smile on your face. It will make you feel less stressed, and not come across as angry or defensive. But however you can do it is okay. Just be ready!
- Know that you can say no. Don’t feel like you have to attend every event. If a holiday party that includes babies and young children feels like more than you can handle, politely decline the invitation. Give yourself permission to say no to events if you don’t feel comfortable attending or are just not up for it. If you don’t want to go, more than likely you won’t end up having a good time.
- Do something for yourself. Find time to do something you truly enjoy. Book a massage, plan a night or two away with a lot of pampering, set aside time to read a book you enjoy, go on a few long walks, have lunch with a friend, or go to a movie. There are so many holiday commitments – office parties and family gatherings – that take up our free time during the holidays, and we can forget to do activities that we enjoy for ourselves. Take time out for yourself during this busy time of year.
- Do something for others. Volunteering and helping others in need can help you reflect on what you are thankful for in your own life. Volunteer to serve dinner at a shelter, or host a can food drive.
- Start a new family tradition with your partner. You and your partner are a family. Choose activities and create traditions that center on you two as a couple. Consider taking a trip and getting away together. Approaching the holiday in a new way on your own terms can make it a lot more enjoyable.
The holidays can be tough on a lot of people, but they can be especially challenging when you are trying to start a family. Remember that there is no perfect way to navigate the holidays, and only you will know what will work best for your own needs. Hopefully the tips above help you survive the holidays with a little less stress and a little more cheer. If you’re considering surrogacy as a means to grow your family, the team at Pathways To Parenthood is happy to speak with you and answer all your questions. You can learn more about surrogacy on our website.
Intended Parents Dominik and Dennis Share Their Surrogacy Story
While each person’s path to parenthood may look a little different, there are many common threads – especially for those who go through fertility treatment to bring their babies into the world. Whether you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community or not, choosing to pursue IVF, egg donors, and surrogacy share many similarities. In this blog, we’re excited to speak with Dominik and Dennis, from Germany. They are gay intended parents (IP), who are currently having a baby via gestational surrogacy.
How did the two of you meet and how long have you been together?
We met during college in fall 2011. It was Dominik’s first night joining the queer student’s group of Stuttgart university. When he went home that night, he told his roommates that he had met his future husband. They started dating soon after and became a couple in January 2012.
Why did you consider surrogacy to grow your family?
Soon after we met, t we discussed both of our wishes to have a family. Dominik was more optimistic about it then Dennis, who was skeptical if would be possible to achieve in Germany. Before 2017, Germany had not opened up marriage for same sex couples yet, so adoption was not possible for gay couples. Dominik had done some research on surrogacy back then also and eventually Dennis warmed up to the possibility. We both started saving up for the process.
In 2017 the idea became more of a reality when we attended a Men Having Babies conference in Brussels where we met IVF clinics, surrogacy agencies and most importantly surrogates and families that have gone through the process. Their experience and stories gave us hope that it would actually be possible to become parents, and have parenthood legally recognized in Germany.
How did you go about choosing a surrogacy agency? What was important to you?
We had a wealth of contacts to surrogacy agencies across the US from the conference in Brussels and started talking to many of the agencies in 2018. The screening process of a potential surrogate at each agency was important to us, as well as the prospective waiting time between choosing an agency and being matched. Also, the cost had to fit into our budget.
Why did you choose Pathways to Parenthood?
Most people we knew chose agencies in California. But since Dominik had lived in Missouri during high school, we had a good network of friends and people we consider family there. Plus, we felt a personal connection when we met Kerry and learned about Pathways To Parenthood. It was also very reassuring to know that if we chose Pathways To Parenthood in Kansas City, we’d have friends and ‘family’ in the area throughout the whole process.
What was the surrogate matching process like? How was the first meeting with your surrogate?
The day before Christmas Eve, when we were preparing for a COVID-restricted celebration without family, we got an email from Kerry sending us Lily’s profile. It was perfect timing since we were all off work and were able to use the time between the holidays to write emails, chat and get to know Lily via Skype. The three of us ‘clicked’ right away! When we finally did meet after travel restrictions were lifted, Lily’s first comment was “you are real!”. She was right, it was hard to believe! All meetings and communication until then had been digital but it worked so well for us that meeting her in person eight months after being introduced felt like meeting an old friend.
Describe the beginning of your surrogacy journey – was there a moment that stands out?
For us it started to get real when the clinic told us that not only did the egg donation process go better than expected, we also had seven viable embryos. The moment that really stood out was when, almost a year later, we met Lily for the first time to spend a few vacation days together in Croatia. By then she was already pregnant with one of our embryos.
What has your relationship with your surrogate been like? How did you communicate and keep in touch?
We believe it could not have gone better under COVID circumstances. Of course, we would have liked to meet in person more often but chatting via WhatsApp almost daily has allowed us to form a strong bond of trust.
Are you planning on being at the birth of your baby?
Yes, absolutely. We’re planning to be there three weeks before the due date to be in time and not miss this emotional moment.
What would your advice be to others who are considering surrogacy?
Trust your heart, take your time to choose an agency that you trust and also to form a strong connection with your surrogate. It could be a good idea to discuss and agree with your partner on how, what and when you want to share information about your journey. In our experience and at least in Germany, some people will ask the most intimate questions and expect you to answer.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your journey?
We feel so lucky that we were matched with Lily, we could not have asked for a more loving or more open surrogate. We have had a very smooth ride so far, but don’t be disheartened by the complexity of the process or if things don’t go as planned. With a good team and a good support system you’ll be able to get there.
If you’re a gay parent (or anyone in the LGBTQ+ community) and you’re considering parenthood, the team at Pathways to Parenthood can guide you through the process.
They have been helping bring together future parents and surrogates for 9 years!