EMD Serono, Inc., a North America biopharmaceutical company of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, works to fill gaps in fertility coverage for eligible U.S military personnel and veterans who have suffered spinal cord injuries while serving in active duty.

“More than 2,200 service people have suffered catastrophic injury which has rendered them infertile, and many of these patients have been medically retired, which compromises their coverage for infertility treatment,”Alan Copperman MD, a New York City reproductive endocrinologist, said: “It’s crucial that the infertility community work together to help increase access to fertility treatment for these men and women, who have made such great sacrifices for our country.”

Compassionate Corps is the first program in the country to offer fertility medication at no cost to eligible veterans who have been injured during service. This program was launched just two years ago. EMD Serono’s Compassionate Corps programMore than 70 veterans have been helped to obtain IVF/advanced Reproductive Technology (ART) medication.

The Compassionate Care Program at EMD Serono allows uninsured military personnel and veterans to apply. This program helps income-eligible, uninsured patients get discounted fertility medication. More than 30,000 patients who were not otherwise eligible for fertility medication have been helped by the program. More than 1,400 of these are veterans or active members of the U.S. Military.

“With more than a million Gulf War veterans living in the U.S., many of whom are still of child-bearing age, the veteran community is significant in number and highly in need of increased access to family-building resources,”Craig Millian is Senior Vice President and Head of U.S. Fertility. We have made it easier to advocate for those who desire to have children through the Compassionate Care and Compassionate Corps programs.

You can find out more information about Compassionate Care and Compassionate Corps and infertility treatment options and where to find a specialist near your location by visiting www.FertilityLifelines.com.

The pace of life today is rapid. The rise of digital technology has allowed people to communicate with each other via the internet and simultaneously check their children’s soccer scores. With the advent of the Internet, consumers can expect the same conveniences from all services and businesses except their insurance companies. Although 98 per cent of insurance claims are processed within 30 working days, it can be frustrating for those who have difficulty paying their medical bills.

It is no longer enough to be insured, as nearly two-thirds of American households have less income than 2002. It’s vital to understand how quickly and efficiently your insurance carrier pays claims. This is important for both financial and medical recovery.

According to a recent survey, 66% of workers would struggle to pay for the financial burdens associated with serious injuries and illnesses. Only 49% have enough money to cover out-of pocket expenses. Employers are being forced to take cost-saving measures due to rising health care costs, which is putting even more financial pressure on employees.

* Increasing employees’ health care insurance copayments.

* Increasing employees’ share of premium.

* Implementing high-deductible health plans with health savings accounts.

Some people might have to wait as long as a month to receive their insurance payments. Many insurance companies are able to offer fast service because they have better technology and an understanding of today’s consumer needs. This is just one example. AflacIn the insurance industry, it is rare to find policies that allow for claims approval, processing, and payment within one day.

Fast payment policies are no longer luxury items of the past. It is now a necessity. It is more important than ever that you have money available immediately for serious injuries or illnesses. Your insurance company should be able to respond quickly.

Aflac’s One Day Pay Promise can be found at aflac.com/onedaypay.