Victorian families are set to be thousands of dollars better off under a new commitment announced today by the Liberals and Nationals.
IVF supports thousands of women fulfil their dreams of starting a family, yet treatments remain costly and often cause emotional and financial distress.
Even after Medicare rebates, women and families can be left around $5,000 out of pocket for each IVF cycle – a significant barrier for those seeking to start a family.
With cost of living pressures continuing to rise, too many families are being left in an unacceptable position of choosing between starting a family or supporting household budgets.
That’s why an elected Matthew Guy Liberals and Nationals Government will make fertility services for Victorian women more affordable by;
- A rebate of up to $2,000 to undertake an initial IVF procedure using private fertility clinics,
- A rebate of up to $2,000 to undertake a subsequent IVF procedure (if not successful with the initial procedure),
- A rebate of up to $500 for pre IVF Fertility Testing, and
- Up to five days of paid fertility treatment leave for nurses, teachers, and other Victorian public service workers
Critically, these rebates will be available to women undergoing IVF treatments in a clinic of their choice, without the need to relocate to a different facility and interrupt treatment.
Leader of the Opposition, Matthew Guy said this important commitment would provide critical and practical support to thousands of Victorian families.
“Our plan means an easier road to starting a family for thousands of Victorians.”
“The Liberals and Nationals are committed to supporting families to grow, recover and rebuild.”
Shadow Minister for Health, Georgie Crozier said this plan would provide the flexible support women and families undergoing IVF deserve.
“Cost should never be a barrier for starting a family and our plan will go a long way to help ease the financial and emotional stress of IVF and fertility treatments.”
“Women don’t want to interrupt their treatment and start again at a new facility. Our plan will allow women to continue receiving the treatment they want at the clinic they want it.”
Only a Matthew Guy Liberals and Nationals Government has a real plan to support Victorian families to recover and rebuild.