The Ritters say their infertility is a disease that should be covered like any other health problem. They dismiss the argument that having children is a personal choice rather than a medical issue. Fran asks, incredulous. We desire to have a family. We have no control over our infertility.
Insurance covers emphysema brought on by people smoking, it covers drug addiction.
This is a disease. The Ritters knew they'd never win by banging on Aetna's front door, so they sneaked in through bureaucratic windows and air vents. Doctors use a code to identify a diagnosis or procedure on the forms they submit to insurance and HMO companies. Eventually the company caught on. But, for awhile, it paid.