CurrentBlue Cross Blue Shield - Rhode IslandPolicy N/A

Expanded Fertility Services: Cell Storage — Reimbursement Explanation

This document governs reimbursement for cell storage fees (eggs/oocytes, sperm, embryos) for members of Blue Cross Blue Shield - Rhode Island; it explains eligible storage durations, required documentation, and conditions for donor cell reimbursement.

Policy Summary

PayerBlue Cross Blue Shield - Rhode Island

PolicyCell storage reimbursement for fertility services — reimbursement explanation

Policy CodePolicy N/A

Change TypeNo material change

Effective DateN/A

Next Review DateN/A

Key ActionMembers may submit reimbursement claims for storage fees up to 12 months per benefit year and must attach proof of payment (invoice/receipt) showing facility name, address, and date of service.

SourceLink

POLICY UPDATE CHANGES

No material clinical or coverage changes in this revision.

12 monthsmaximum reimbursable storage per member per benefit year

multi-year claimsnot eligible for reimbursement

attestation requireddonor cells require attestation

proof requiredreceipt/invoice must accompany submission

Cell Storage Reimbursement Criteria

Cell storage reimbursement criteria

Reimbursement is available under the following conditions:

Storage fees reimbursed up to 12 months per member per benefit year; members may submit claims for month-to-month storage, multi-month packages, or once-annual storage within that 12-month allowance.

Multi-year storage claims, or any claim exceeding 12 months, are not eligible for reimbursement.

Member must submit proof of payment (storage invoice/receipt) that includes facility name, facility address, and date of service; receipt information must match the information on the form and the storage fee amount paid should be clearly and independently stated.

If storing donor cells (donor egg or donor sperm), the member must have an infertility diagnosis from a licensed healthcare provider and complete the signed attestation included on the form.

Policy Summary

PayerBlue Cross Blue Shield - Rhode Island

PolicyCell storage reimbursement for fertility services — reimbursement explanation

Policy CodePolicy N/A

Change TypeNo material change

Effective DateN/A

Next Review DateN/A

SourceLink

On This Page

Trek Health ingests and normalizes Transparency in Coverage data and payer policy updates to give provider organizations a clear view of how commercial reimbursement behaves across markets, payers, and services. Our platform transforms raw payer disclosures into structured intelligence that supports contract evaluation, payer negotiations, and service line strategy. By combining market benchmarks with ongoing policy visibility, Trek helps teams identify variability, risk, and opportunity in commercial reimbursement. The result is faster insight, stronger negotiating positions, and more informed financial decisions.

Submission Requirements and Provider Responsibilities

Documentation Required

Reimbursement submission and eligibility

Members may submit reimbursement claims for storage fees up to 12 months per member per benefit year. Attach proof of payment (storage invoice/receipt) that includes the facility name, address, and date of service; the receipt information must match the information on the form. Multi-year storage claims or any claim exceeding 12 months are not eligible for reimbursement. Completed form and attachments must be mailed to the address provided or submitted electronically via the member portal.

Acceptable proof of payment: storage invoice/receipt from the facility.
Receipt must include facility name, address, and date of service and must match form information.
Storage fee amount paid should be clearly and independently stated.
Mail completed form and attachments to the address provided or submit electronically via the member portal.

Prior Authorization

Donor cell attestation requirement

If storing donor eggs or donor sperm, the member must have an infertility diagnosis by a licensed healthcare provider and complete the signed attestation on the form confirming the reimbursement request is for treatment of infertility.

Complete the Infertility Attestation section and sign: attest reimbursement is for donor eggs or donor sperm for treatment of infertility as diagnosed by a licensed provider.
If not storing donor cells, leave the attestation blank.

Definitions and Scope

Cell storage

DefinitionCell storage coverage refers to storage of reproductive cells (eggs/oocytes, sperm, embryos) for infertility treatment or elective purposes.

Reimbursement scopeFees for month-to-month, multi-month packages, or once-annual storage may be reimbursed within the 12-month benefit-year limit.

ExclusionsClaims for storage beyond 12 months (multi-year) are not eligible for reimbursement.

Covered cell types

Covered cell typesDonor egg and donor sperm

Member's own cellsMember's own oocytes (eggs), embryos, and sperm

Intended useStorage for infertility treatment or elective purposes

Infertility attestation

Attestation required for donor cellsIf storing donor eggs or donor sperm, member must be diagnosed with infertility by a licensed healthcare provider and complete the signed attestation.

When attestation not requiredIf not storing donor cells, the donor-cell attestation section should be left blank.

Attestation contentSignature attests that donor eggs or donor sperm are for treatment of infertility as diagnosed by a licensed healthcare provider and that submitted information is complete and correct.

OpenPayer

Expanded Fertility Services: Cell Storage — Reimbursement Explanation

Cell Storage Reimbursement Criteria

Coding and Duration Limits

Submission Requirements and Provider Responsibilities

Definitions and Scope