The Home of Fertility with Liz Walton & Helen Zee

Breaking Financial Barriers to Parenthood: Sophia Baseotto on IVF, SuperCare, and Hope

• Helen Zee • Season 2

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In this episode of The Home of Fertility, Helen Zee speaks with Sophia Basietto, fertility specialist, scientist, and trainer at SuperCare, Australia’s leading service for helping families access their superannuation for fertility treatments.

Sophia brings over 25 years of experience as an embryologist, biochemist, and fertility coach — and shares how SuperCare lobbied to make IVF eligible for compassionate release of super, creating a pathway for thousands of families to continue their fertility journey.

Learn:

  • How to apply for compassionate release of super (CRS)
  • What costs are covered and how to avoid hidden out-of-pocket expenses
  • When to apply and how SuperCare’s case managers simplify the process
  • How IVF, donor treatment, and gynecological procedures can be funded
  • What makes SuperCare’s emotional and case-by-case support so unique

This conversation is for anyone navigating the cost of fertility treatments and wanting clarity, compassion, and confidence in their next steps.

Sophia Baseotto is a Fertility Specialist Scientist with over 25 years of experience encompassing roles as an Embryologist, Andrologist, Biochemist, Chemist, Master Practitioner and Coach, Podcast Host, and National Clinic Auditor, Assessor, and Technical Expert. Sophia actively trains SuperCare staff and liaises with clinics to ensure optimal client outcomes.

https://www.mysupercare.com.au/our-services/ivf/

SPEAKER_00:

Welcome to the Home of Fertility, a space for real conversations and expert insights about fertility, healing and creating family. I'm Liz Walton.

SPEAKER_01:

And I'm Helen Z. We are two mums who've walked this path and are passionate about supporting you on your journey. Emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

SPEAKER_00:

We talk about it all. Fertility treatments, holistic support, relationships, mindset, and the emotional highs and lows.

SPEAKER_01:

Because sometimes the missing piece lies in someone else's story, in the quiet wisdom of the body, or in a breakthrough that's finally made for you.

SPEAKER_00:

We are so glad you are here. Let's dive in.

SPEAKER_01:

Welcome to our listeners today for yet another educational and inspiring podcast. Today I'm joined by Sophia Basietto, who is a fertility specialist, scientist with over 25 years' experience, encompassing roles as an embryologist, andrologist, something you don't get to hear very often, biochemist, podcast host, among other qualifications. Sophia actively trains super care staff who are a compassionate release of super for those who wish to access their superannuation and liaise between yourself and clinics to ensure optimal client outcomes. Welcome, Sophia.

SPEAKER_02:

Good morning, and thank you so much for speaking to me today.

SPEAKER_01:

Yeah, it's an absolute pleasure. I know this is a very important subject for people who are wanting to progress with fertility treatments and accessing funding which will actually take some of the burden away from the financial aspects that delayed fertility can have. And it's incredible that our government and institutions like SuperCare are there at the forefront to be that liaison between the patientslash client and all the other bits and pieces that need to take place because I know that it is a very regimented process that needs to be followed, and having the best people at the forefront to help you through would be another area that would, I feel, would give me peace of mind. So welcome.

SPEAKER_02:

Thank you so much. Yes. Compassionate release of super, um, otherwise known for a lot of people as early release of super, has been around for many years. Now, Supercare 12 years ago, over 12 years ago, started this process for people. And um, typically we we started, you know, with the medical. IVF wasn't even on the table at that point in time. So forged, lobbied, spoke to people, um, had meetings at um different levels because it used to be governed the program by the Department of Human Services. So lobbied government, lobbied um the DHS to get this actually on the table for IVF clients. So it didn't even exist. Um and we were at the forefront pushing for that so that you know it would open up this avenue uh for very costly treatment, you know, quickly becomes unaffordable for so many patients.

SPEAKER_01:

Yeah, and a lot of people stop the journey too early because of a result of funding. So this is an incredible service that is available to our population. Um, wonderful. Uh take us through some of the ins and outs about what a person can expect when they do contact you and want to release their super.

SPEAKER_02:

Sure. So, as I said, the it's it's a fairly regulated process, right? So the governing body is the Australian Taxation Office, right? Um, and they took over, I think, in 2018. So the process is when we actually introduced and we had that connection with a um patient, now typically they will have already attended a fertility clinic, know they need treatment, and literally fall off their chair at the price of the treatment, right? So they know that, oh my goodness, this is a little bit out of range. Um so at that point in time, and typically it is people normally who've had a cycle or two that come to us, but we will have the ones who've just started and find it completely out of their range. So they'll call us and we'll take them through the eligibility process. We'll ask them questions about, you know, whether or not they're an Australian citizen or New Zealand citizen or resident, um, you know, that they have no other way of paying for this treatment, um, and qualify them so that they meet the eligibility criteria to apply. So we ask them a series of questions, make sure that they meet the criteria. Obviously, you've got to have some money in your super fund, right? Um, and if you don't, if you've got a partner that has money in their super fund, then you can use a partner super fund as well. So we ask them these qualifying questions, make sure that we've got all the requirements ready, and then you can proceed with an application.

SPEAKER_01:

Sophia, is there a bare minimum that people need to keep in their superannuation uh like as say a form of equity? I think might be the right word if you're talking about um like even like a home loan. But is there a certain amount that needs to be in reserve, or can it be whatever is needed for um a person going through their treatment?

SPEAKER_02:

Sure, that's a great question. Now, typically for most super funds, they don't have portions that are reserved or blocked off. Some super funds do. Okay, so it's highly dependent on the superfund. Now, you've got to remember that when we're applying for this, we're applying for only the cost of your treatment, right? Whatever's required, that's what we're applying for. So typically for most of the population, it's a small amount for their treatment costs. Some super funds will have stipulations, they will have amounts that you cannot touch. Almost like Frankton Unfrankt, preserved, unpreserved. They have specific names and they call them a specific name within that particular superfund, but it is to remain untouched. So absolutely, we always recommend that clients contact their super fund just to verify that. Typically, with a lot of the super funds, though, we've been doing this for a long time. We can definitely say, right, we need you to call the super fund and double check on that amount that you'll have available for you. Um, there are specific super funds that have that. So it's a great question, but you're typically only getting exactly what you need. So for most people, they will have some left over. Absolutely.

SPEAKER_01:

And can a person whose treatment then becomes more uh expensive with different treatment options that they need or um they need more cycles, can they go back in and start the process again? Or is there a way of you can top up to take out without going through the whole qualification process again?

SPEAKER_02:

So you in in answer to this, a couple of questions there. So the first part is can you apply a second time and a third time? Yes, you can. So typically, as you'd be aware, you know, the the cycle um may not be successful the first time. And on average, three cycles for most people to achieve a pregnancy, it may or may not be ongoing, right? So they're going to take a few cycles in in some instance. Now, whether that's to have one child, two child, children, you know, expand that family. It's never typically one cycle, one and done. It doesn't normally happen in the fertility space, right? So, yes, you can apply for a multiple um, you know, come back in. If that wasn't successful, apply for a second cycle or third and so on. What's the limit? Well, the limit is you're obviously limited by how much money you have in that fund, right? Because you you have to have the money available in your fund or your partner's fund in order for that to be available to you.

SPEAKER_01:

Lovely. Thank you. Thank you. And when I I can imagine that with the ATO taking over in 2018 and also the lobbying that you have done, and a lot of other people in the industry have done to make the uh funds become available for the category of uh fertility treatments. The pathways to parenthoods and the categories of what makes up a modern family this day have changed. So can we speak to our listeners about people who are solo mums, different orientations of accessing donor eggs, uh embryos, as well as the surrogacy path? Can superannuation be accessible for all paths to parenthood?

SPEAKER_02:

So typically um all paths bar surrogacy. So we run into the issue with surrogacy. So any type of relationship um you know, is it if you if you have super and you have a part or you have a partner who has super, then yes, you can apply, right? Sarrogacy is a different um component entirely because that is a party outside of your relationship, right? So you can I can use my super for myself, for my partner, um potentially for my child, if you've got dependence, obviously not so much in the fertility space, but yourself and your partner. When it comes to using it for someone outside, and a surrogate is a third party, then that's not actually it, it sort of breaches the legislation and the requirements in terms of eligibility. But every other thing that you've mentioned there, the different aspects, um, the donor aspects, absolutely.

SPEAKER_01:

Beautiful. Thank you for clarifying that. Um, how does a person ensure that all costs are covered and what can be included?

SPEAKER_02:

Yeah, another great question. So the the difference, I guess, with super care is obviously we've got the years of experience, but all our staff are trained by me. So as a fertility specialist scientist, I've also spent a lot of years in the coaching industry as a fertility coach. I actually train the staff. So they have that wealth of experience. Talking to the clinics daily is something I've done for many, many years. Um, so and I and again, as we mentioned earlier on, I'm still auditing for clinics. So the the clinics have to have NATA and RTAC assessment. So I'm still doing that, actively involved. All our staff are trained with that background, with that knowledge. So when they're looking at someone coming in and they are talking to them about what cycle they're having, they're going to be asking the in-depth questions that you wouldn't get. If you're a first-time person going through fertility treatment, or if you've changed clinics, and this is another thing we see quite often, patients will change clinics multiple times, two to three times on average, right? They're not happy with the clinic, so they'll change. And the billing and the costs and what's included changes with each clinic they go to, right? So it's a very important to have they have one dedicated case manager, and that case manager, specifically IVF trained, will look at what they've got, look at the quotes, look at the cycle, have an in-depth conversation with that client and their partner, because you've got to remember some costs are related to the partner, right? So we make sure that we have those conversations, see the quotations, and with that background, we'll come back and say, what about this, this, this? And they will say, Oh my goodness, hadn't even thought of that, right? Because they may have changed clinics, this clinic doesn't cover that cost, it's not part of that global fee, it's actually outsourced to a different um special center, which means there's other quotes involved. And that's a massive difference because if you forget some aspect of that treatment, you could be thousands out of pocket, right? So it's really important when you have that dedicated case manager who's going to look at everything and say, right, we're missing this, this, and this, and go and chase that down. Beautiful. The aim is to have every dollar covered, right? So you're not, you you can sort of forget about the money and just focus on the treatment and the emotional aspect of that and not worry about anything financial.

SPEAKER_01:

That's our aim. I I love the distinction that you have done with having a case manager to follow your journey through because you can pick up on some of the nuances when uh a new clinic is brought into the picture and needing to re-quote and make sure that every dollar is accounted for. So thank you for for saying that. And I just reiterated as well. Beautiful. When does someone apply for a CRS? What is the ideal timing?

SPEAKER_02:

Sure, absolutely. So typically the process is now we've got to remember there's a governing body involved, right? Um, they will typically take 14 days to assess in an application, and we've got the super funds involved, they actually have to release the money, right? So bearing that in mind, we say, look, allow four weeks, right? Typically, if you know you're gonna have a cycle in, you know, December, we want to make sure that you're putting your application in in October so everything is done and dusted in November. You've got the funds ready to go, have your cycle. Now, we can do it in a shorter time frame. We only need four weeks. The reality is if you've got the time to put in a little bit extra, just extra time, just as a bit of a buffer, fantastic. But we that's all we need. It doesn't take us long to gather the documents. The ATO assessment time is two weeks. And super funds, again, can release the money in five to ten days. We can push as much as we can once you've got the approval letter, but we like to have that approval letter before anyone rings in for day one. Don't start, don't ring in, don't start injections, wait until we've got that approval letter. And as soon as that's done, you can ring in for day one because the funds will be shortly coming through thereafter.

SPEAKER_01:

Yeah, beautiful. That's that, as you said, it's a regulated process and it's lovely. It's good to hear that all stake key stakeholders, like the ATO as well as superannuation funds, have got a timeline and an obligation to be met because the last thing you want is to string it out and just going, oh, the document hasn't come yet. The document hasn't come yet. It's great for the listener to know that there are time-bounded obligations with all the parties concerned.

SPEAKER_02:

Yeah, absolutely. And it is a regulated process. So we're we're always mindful of timing. And we look, if there's any issues or delays, you know, as tax time sometimes things can take a little bit longer. We do meet regular with the ATO. And the important um part of mentioning that is so that the if there is a delay, if there is a reason for, you know, we know that there's something going on or there's been some changes, then we're at the forefront of that. You know, we'll be advising the clinics of any issues because we do liaise with the clinics as well. You know, we're requesting documentation from them, we're trying to get things approved for their patients so they can get started. So there's a close working relationship, not only with the governing body, also with the clinic and also with the client, right? The patient to be. So we we have a dynamic that works well so that everyone's across where we're at. And we frequently have clinics saying, you know, someone's ready, how are we going? Where are we at? And we can tell them exactly where we're up to, what we're waiting on, um, where we're at with the lodgement. We're calling the ATO, we're in constant communication for that particular application. And as I said, it is handled by that case manager. So they've got um people coming into this space have one person who's going to hold their hand through this process.

SPEAKER_01:

Yeah, wonderful, wonderful. It's it I can see and also sense that super care are different to other providers out there. Is there anything with the benefits that you provide? And the the having a dedicated case manager is just one of those. Are there any other benefits that you can stipulate for our listener in how you do things differently or how you are um prime uh partner to be involved in?

SPEAKER_02:

Yeah, absolutely. Well, look, as I said, we we founded this industry 12 years ago um and we've lobbied for IVF. We had um issues back in, I think it was 2020 or 2019 where there were donor issues, right? And the the benefit of the years of experience and my role is that I could actually um go and push forward to get those issues resolved, right? For a while there was issues and they weren't allowing the donor component of cycles, right? Which is a you know a big consideration for a huge percentage of patients wanting treatment. And with the um background that I have, I was able to get that resolved. Now it took, I think, six or eight months, potentially a little bit longer. I was trying to figure out how long it took, but we did get it resolved. Got it resolved, got the issue um sorted out so that clients were able to use those funds so they could continue that fertility treatment. As I mentioned before, having our staff trained by someone like myself, industry um experience 25 years plus, um, all the things you mentioned, an embryologist, andrologist, biochemist, chemist. I've been a fertility coach for the last 10 years plus. I recognized that emotional part of the journey was really being abandoned for so many people. They felt that gap. Now, our staff are trained to fill that gap. They are trained to give the level of support that is required. So they're going to be not only knowledgeable about everything that's involved in that cycle, they're also going to be giving that emotional support. Our clients, our fertility clients, have the most support out of all our pa all our clients, right? They need it, right? Because it's a hugely emotional journey. Like people consider it as a medical procedure or a medical, it's not. It's not a clinical one at all. It's hugely. So our staff who are not through choice, but primarily, predominantly female in the IVF sector, have that empathy and compassion. They have the background knowledge, they have that dedicated case manager all the way through the process. What ends up happening is they end up friends on Facebook. We've had them going to birthday parties for the children and all sorts of things. So they're forming and developing a close relationship with that client. And they do get that extra special treatment at Supercare because it's something that we're really passionate about, you know, very passionate about IVF. You know, people talk about um the release of super, but for IVF, it has just that extra special meaning.

SPEAKER_01:

Absolutely. Absolutely wonderful. Yeah, is there anything else that I haven't touched on that you would like to share before we move into your superpower? My superpower.

SPEAKER_02:

Um, well, I think we've covered pretty much everything, the timing, the costs, just to give a brief outline as to what it can be used for. The other thing we didn't mention, it's probably worth mentioning here, is um the gynecology. Now typically, and it isn't considered a medical application or a medical procedure, but typically people that are having fertility treatment will experience um some other procedures along the way. It could be laparoscopy, hysterooscopy, fibroids, endometrial um surgeries, cyst removal, all sorts of things. The, you know, the dye test and those procedures as well, you can use compassionate release of super. Because typically, you know, when you throw in the hospital the anesitists and the surgeons, it it becomes quite costly. And that might be either before you start fertility treatment or right in the middle. It doesn't matter. You can also apply for those costs. So that's another important thing to mention here is that it doesn't, it's not specifically only for fertility. You can also cover those gyne costs as well.

SPEAKER_01:

Amazing. Excellent, excellent, very, very useful information. Uh, Sophia, what is your superpower?

SPEAKER_02:

Well, exactly. It's it's so hard to talk about your superpower, isn't it?

SPEAKER_01:

I know, let's turn it. It's all about like what you do, what you do, what you do. And now this is an opportunity of reflecting back for yourself as well.

SPEAKER_02:

Absolutely. Well, look, my superpower. So I've got 25 years of experience in in the science, right? I combine that with the modern coaching techniques and I provide people with the positive results and successful outcomes. What that means for super care staff is they're going to have that knowledge enhancements, right? Their knowledge base is mine, right? So they get to tap into that continuously, and they then provide that optimal support for their clients right throughout their application process. And as I said, they become friends, they go to birthday parties, they actually form really meaningful connections, which for this highly emotional journey is such, such an incredible experience. They get to help them continue to go on to that successful outcome and that pregnancy and that baby. So, as I said, it's one of our most, it's the closest to our hearts, right? You know, we do help with other applications, but IVF is very special and it it just brings so much joy helping these women on their journey to parenthood. It's such a special journey for us as well.

SPEAKER_01:

Wonderful. Thank you for your time and presence and expertise in educating our listeners today, Sophia. Thank you.

SPEAKER_02:

Thank you so much for the opportunity. I look forward to the expo.

SPEAKER_01:

I look forward to the expo, yes. So around the time of this recording, which is um beginning of October, we are meeting on the 8th of November in 2025, where again it is a bit of what you did 12 years ago, where the campaigning and some of that what we call trailblazing in having a service available and accessible for so many people to take the edge off financially. And here at the Expo, we're doing something very similar by bringing dedicated, incredible professionals across the healthcare sector to be available to have hearty conversations, for people to be able to ask their questions, get a sense of who it is that they wish to work with and um be supported by in the future. And I'm so glad that you are a part of it, Sophia.

SPEAKER_02:

So looking forward to it. It will be amazing. And like you said, trailblazing. We need more of this.

SPEAKER_01:

Yeah, let's smash those stats.

SPEAKER_02:

Excellent. Thank you so much for having me.

SPEAKER_01:

Same here. Thanks for joining us at the Homer Fertility. We hope today's episode brought you clarity, comfort, and connection.

SPEAKER_00:

If this podcast resonated, please share it. Leave a review or subscribe. This helps us support more people that are on this path.

SPEAKER_01:

And if you'd like to connect or share your story, find us on Instagram and Facebook at Australian Fertility Summit.

SPEAKER_00:

Remember the missing piece might be waiting in a story, your body's wisdom, or something new just made for you. Take care.