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The willingness to pay for in vitro fertilization: a pilot study using contingent valuation
1Project HOPE, Center for Health Affairs, Bethesda, MD 20814.
Medical Care
|July 1, 1994
Summary
Individuals value in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment significantly, with willingness to pay varying based on infertility status and insurance coverage. This study quantifies public valuation of IVF, informing insurance and public program coverage debates.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health Economics
- Health Services Research
Background:
- In vitro fertilization (IVF) use is rising, prompting debate on health insurance coverage.
- Understanding public valuation of IVF is crucial for policy decisions regarding insurance and public funding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how individuals value IVF treatment using a contingent valuation survey.
- To explore willingness to pay (WTP) for IVF from ex post, ex ante, and public program perspectives.
- To assess the value of IVF relative to mortality risk reduction.
Main Methods:
- Developed and disseminated a contingent valuation survey to assess WTP for IVF.
- Survey included scenarios on probability of success, infertility status, and public program funding.
- Regression analyses examined factors influencing WTP, such as income.
Main Results:
- Average WTP was $17,730 for a 10% chance of conception if infertile, and $865 for lifetime insurance.
- Average annual tax WTP for a public IVF program was $32.
- Implied WTP per statistical baby was $177,730 (ex post) and $1.8 million (ex ante).
Conclusions:
- Individuals place a high value on IVF treatment, with WTP influenced by personal circumstances and program design.
- Contingent valuation is a viable method for assessing the economic value of IVF.
- Findings support the need for further research into the validity of this valuation methodology.