Costco Partners with Sesame and IVI RMA to Transform Fertility Care Access with 80% Medication Savings
核心洞察
Costco has launched a strategic partnership with healthcare platform Sesame (搜索) and fertility network IVI RMA North America (搜索) to address barriers facing the 1 in 6 Americans experiencing infertility (搜索).
The collaboration offers Costco members up to 80% savings on fertility medications like Follistim through exclusive pharmacy pricing, potentially saving thousands per treatment cycle.
Members receive coordinated care through Sesame (搜索)'s platform with immediate access to diagnostic workups and referrals to IVI RMA's network of fertility specialists when needed.
Costco Wholesale Corporation has entered the fertility care market through a groundbreaking partnership with digital healthcare platform Sesame (搜索) and fertility network IVI RMA North America (搜索), aimed at addressing the significant barriers faced by the 1 in 6 Americans struggling with infertility (搜索). The collaboration promises to transform access to reproductive medicine through coordinated care, transparent pricing, and substantial medication savings.
Addressing Critical Access Barriers
The partnership directly tackles the primary obstacles that delay fertility treatment for months or even years: high medication costs, complicated healthcare systems, and uncertainty about where to begin the treatment process. "Our partnership with Sesame (搜索) and IVI RMA reflects our commitment to transparent and affordable solutions that reduce barriers, are more accessible, and more affordable for our members," said Richard Stephens, Senior Vice President of Pharmacy at Costco.
Under the new program, Costco members gain immediate access to fertility care coordination through a monthly membership agreement. The system features a universal intake policy ensuring every patient begins with Sesame (搜索) and receives a comprehensive intake evaluation, coordinated diagnostic support, and referrals to specialty care when clinically appropriate.
Dramatic Medication Cost Reductions
One of the most significant benefits of the partnership is the potential for up to 80% savings on fertility medications through Costco's pharmacy programs. Members can access commonly prescribed medications like Follistim at a fraction of typical costs, with savings potentially reaching thousands of dollars per treatment cycle. This addresses one of the largest out-of-pocket expenses associated with fertility treatment.
"By combining transparent pricing with coordinated care, we're removing the barriers that have historically kept quality fertility treatment out of reach for too many families," Stephens explained.
Coordinated Care Model
The partnership establishes a streamlined care pathway where patients complete initial fertility intake through Sesame (搜索)'s digital platform and receive diagnostic support. When additional care is needed, they are referred to fertility specialists within the IVI RMA clinic network, which spans 25 IVF laboratories and has contributed to over 220,000 births to date.
Patients retain their Sesame (搜索) clinician throughout the fertility journey as a dedicated partner for medical guidance, including medical terminology translation, emotional support, and care coordination. This ensures continuity of care and personalized attention throughout treatment.
Advanced Treatment Options
Through the IVI RMA North America (搜索) network, members have access to high-acuity specialty care including in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI). The network operates cutting-edge clinics with industry-leading success rates and has published over 1,000 research papers advancing the fertility field.
"This partnership empowers people to take control of their reproductive health without barriers, stigma, or waiting," said David Goldhill, CEO and Founder of Sesame (搜索). "By connecting patients directly with care coordinators and world-class specialists, we're making family planning accessible and delivering measurably better outcomes through coordinated, continuous care."
Industry Impact
Lynn Mason, CEO of IVI RMA North America (搜索), emphasized the partnership's role in expanding access to quality fertility care. "In partnership with Costco and Sesame (搜索), leaders of the highest caliber, we are expanding access to quality fertility care and reducing barriers so more people across the country can build the families they desire," Mason stated.
The program represents a significant shift in how fertility care is delivered, combining Sesame (搜索)'s direct-access platform with IVI RMA Network's clinical expertise and Costco's transparent pricing model. This coordinated approach aims to optimize diagnostics, improve treatment access, and lower overall healthcare costs for families pursuing fertility care.
The program is now available nationwide through Sesame (搜索)'s platform, offering a comprehensive solution for the millions of Americans facing fertility challenges who previously found quality care financially or logistically out of reach.