Anything to fund SRS? It feels hopeless

[yasuko14]

Hi everyone ^^

Lets start off by saying I'm glad I have found this helpful forum community, as I have been feeling really disconnected from the world recently. I hope to make a few friends here and gain a little support  hehe.

My question to you all is, are there any ways to pay for SRS? Any insurance companies in the US that cover the surgery itself? Are there any special case appeals that can be done? Any loan lenders I can utilize for some money?

I've basically lived like this my entire life and started hormone therapy at the age of 12 through Kaiser. I was having hormonal imbalances and complications, and decided upon estrogen. I attended middle school and high school like this. My entire life has been one where I have always felt incomplete as a human, a damaged or reject girl.

I am almost 21 now, I am attending college and I have been in a committed relationship with a boy for almost 2 years. I moved away with him to attend school and I am currently dorming.  Even our relationship is difficult sexually because he wants nothing to do with a penis in any way. I Just feel like I'm deformed and I can't relate or begin to get closer to people (make friends) because I am pre-op.

I desperately want to close this chapter in my life, I have taken out student loans and I work part time to pay for my full time schooling costs. I'm just breaking even it seems. I don't need $75,000 for FFS or breast augmentation, I just want to be able to reach $10,000 to get the operation itself. I would like to go to Dr.Kamol in Thailand

I just feel so close but so far away, people have told me to go to counseling. But I know what I want. I know what is causing my pain and I know what needs to be fixed. How long will I live like this? When can I put this behind me? Its consumed me my entire youth.. I don't want to lose my boyfriend as he gives me purpose in this life. And I don't want to miss out on all the amazing things youth has to offer.

Thank you guys for reading all that, it got a little mushy.. But if any of you have any comments, support, or useful information I would really appreciate it

<3

[muffinpants]

From what I've read some insurance companies do cover it and some don't. I read about a lawsuit that some lady won after her insurance company refused to pay for her srs... so I suppose if there is something that specifically says they don't cover it then the either will or you could open a lawsuit.
Good luck in your journeys! I wish you the best of luck.

[DawnL]

There is no easy way to do this.  You don't say that you have insurance now so I assume you don't.  It is unlikely that you will be able to buy any private insurance to pay for this.  Perhaps if you can get employer sponsored insurance...but in this economy, finding a new job with any insurance is tough, much less insurance that will pay for SRS.  You certainly can't file a lawsuit if you don't have coverage and any new company will likely view your GID as pre-existing.

At 20, as a college student, it is very unlikely that any lender will make a loan to you.  I am afraid that unless you can find a caring benefactor, you will have to wait until you can work and save most of the money yourself.  You could also consider a crowdfunding like Kickstarter but I don't see that as a reasonable option. 

Sorry, wish I could offer you something more but that is the reality of your situation.

[Beth Andrea]

Well, just do a little math work...you need $10k, let's make it $15k for unforeseen expenses...

Goal: $15,000

Time to goal: Let's say...5 years = 60 months = 120 paychecks (5 years may seem like a long time, but you'll be 25...still "young" to do things. Not like when you're 30, and have to get a walker...LOL  )

$15,000/120 = $125/paycheck. If two of you are saving, (and the other is willing to help you achieve this), that's about $65 each, each paycheck. Doable, unless you're on minimum wage.

That's one possibility.

Of course, your income/lifestyle may indicate a different rate of savings...but how badly do you want SRS? For example, if you're getting cable for $100/month...is cable TV really worth it, compared to the desire (need?) to have SRS?

Just a couple of thoughts, good luck with your goals, whatever they are!

[yasuko14]

There is no easy way to do this.  You don't say that you have insurance now so I assume you don't.  It is unlikely that you will be able to buy any private insurance to pay for this.  Perhaps if you can get employer sponsored insurance...but in this economy, finding a new job with any insurance is tough, much less insurance that will pay for SRS.  You certainly can't file a lawsuit if you don't have coverage and any new company will likely view your GID as pre-existing.

Thankyou for your response

I'm actually under Kaiser Permante's Plan. I believe they don't cover anything surgery related to SRS. Only like hormones and therapy, Which is okay, I mean it's better than nothing.

Yeah reality is really harsh..  Thankyou though for being frank..

[yasuko14]

Well, just do a little math work...you need $10k, let's make it $15k for unforeseen expenses...

Goal: $15,000

Time to goal: Let's say...5 years = 60 months = 120 paychecks (5 years may seem like a long time, but you'll be 25...still "young" to do things. Not like when you're 30, and have to get a walker...LOL  )

$15,000/120 = $125/paycheck. If two of you are saving, (and the other is willing to help you achieve this), that's about $65 each, each paycheck. Doable, unless you're on minimum wage.

That's one possibility.

Of course, your income/lifestyle may indicate a different rate of savings...but how badly do you want SRS? For example, if you're getting cable for $100/month...is cable TV really worth it, compared to the desire (need?) to have SRS?

Just a couple of thoughts, good luck with your goals, whatever they are!

Thankyou for the suggestion

Maybe I will start trying to make regular deposits into my savings. Your'e right the small things do add up..  I currently have about 1.5K in my savings that I'm desperately trying to maintain, but you know how life can demand money at any time or second.

[DanicaCarin]

Depending on your credit, I know a lot of folks get loans for surgeries(Usually plastic surgery). SO if your credit is good you should be able to finance some or all of the cost of SRS.

Best,
Dani

[Melody Maia]

It is not an insurance company thing in most cases. It comes down to whether your company covers it under the plan they offer to you. I got a job at Disney because I knew their insurance would cover my surgery. There are many companies that do this now like Wells Fargo, ADP, Apple etc. HRC maintains a list. I worked my ass off in the hot sun for barely over minimum wage for a year to get my surgery. Comes down to how bad you want it and how much you are willing to sacrifice to get it.

Insurance is only half the equation too. Once you have the insurance it will greatly cut down on your choices of surgeons. One of the reasons I went to Marci Bowers. Forget about going to Thailand and having it covered if you are insured in the US.

[angelfaced]

really ? so all i need to do is get a job at disney world ? how hard is it to get a job there ? did you say your were trans at the interview ? does this count for part time employees or just full time ? i would like more info please. i would totally move to florida for srs.

[Teela Renee]

hmmm,  the transgender care clinic in Philadelphia finances srs

[Pinkfluff]

I know that Disney and Chase will cover it, if you can get a job with one of them. Usually health benefits are only given to full time, permanent employees, but it depends on the company. Some companies may offer benefits to part time employees but at a ridiculously high paycheck contribution. Plans that exclude it may still cover hormone treatment if your doctor uses the right code. My last doc told me that she wrote it as "estrogen deficiency" and it was covered under the UHC plan I had in college and seems to be covered under my current employer's plan (even though they explicitly exclude "transsexual" treatment).

[ShaunaNinjagirl]

Being a resident of Alberta I got my SRS for free, covered by healthcare, but they cancelled that for transsexuals shortly after my surgery. There maybe parts of the country where a state or province would pay for it. You should ask others and try and move to one of those area's while you do your schooling. That would be what I would do. Does anyone else still get there SRS covered by healthcare?

[angelfaced]

lol, have you been to america ? my advice, dont come.

[Melody Maia]

One important thing to know is that it is Disney ABC, so there may be jobs available where you live. Go to the Disney careers website to check it out. However, it is fairly easy to get a job at Disneyworld if you are willing to do what it takes. Disneyland may be the same. I moved here first after my divorce. Unless you are willing to do something like housekeeping, you will likely be hired part-time. Put in for a transfer to full time status right away. You can usually land full time in attractions in a month or two. Then you can get the insurance. I chose the Cigna HMO option. Maximum out of pocket was less than $2k. You will still need a few thousand to cover doctors visits and tests, travel etc, so it's still not "free." Another thing to consider, Disney will pay you barely more than minimum wage and will work you very hard. This is definitely sweat equity. Keep in mind that there are many other companies that now offer insurance that covers SRS and that number will likely go up over time.

I ended up working at Disney a bit more than a year. If you will need FMLA, you need to be there a full year first. I did indeed tell them I was Trans at the end of my interview. Disney is very GLBT friendly. They will also perform a background check. Finally, as I said before, went to Bowers because she takes insurance directly. I'm pleased with my results. This isn't easy and will take a little time, but it is way better than the "never" answer most people feel is their lot when considering SRS.

Anyway, hope that answers everything.

[ktc]

Keep in mind there are also universities that cover SRS in their student insurance plans, most notably the University of California system but also including a few others: http://www.uclgbtia.org/transhealth.html

This may be an option if you're currently at one of those universities or you're looking at graduate school.

[Shadowneya]

I got a job back in Illinois from a company called Dollar Tree... within the first month they are supposed to send you a packet... I believe its a Co-pay health insurance packet... just a thought lol

[imperfectlyperfect]

i got two job and saved my *** off! Although im only 19 i still stay with my parents almost rent free. I bank every money i get...but im also borrowing money from my mom . You can try getting another job . Try crashing with someone...u dnt have to tell them the reason...say you are saving for college or something...sacarficeeee

[Rita]

I am saving to, it seems impossible.  I have a few last resort measures but they are.. last resort for a reason(like selling stuff I own).

Before I do any SRS I am going to talk to my doctor and see if he can lead me in the right direction.  If I can get it financed, I know I will be able to pay it back with time~!  I rarely use my credit cards because I hate owing people money but that also makes it easier for me to pay monthly as much as I can as I hate having debt.

I can't bank all my money though, still need electrolysis and other necessities.

My gf wants to help me to but I am like silly girl xD you need to finish college first!

My idea is, if I can put aside $200 a week I can be more than halfway there in under a year.  If I can get another job at night, making at least $200 a week I can have $19,200 saved by 1 years time span.  Goal is to have the money before the dreaded therapist enforced RLE.

If I make myself suffer a little and eat ramen noodles 24/7 I think I can have it even before that 

Sorry if I derailed it a little too much to myself but thinking about it like that boosts my confidence.

[imperfectlyperfect]

sounds like what im doing. The noodles is good with garlic powder and a little crushed red perpper..... I learned to adjust! I even gave up my 09 car...that i  was making payments on just to save for mysurgery. This is important to me....and im the example of,  "you gotta work hard to get what you want", or, "if you want it bad enough you will get out there and find a wayy to get it". Dessssppppretttt times for desssprettttt measures!

[yasuko14]

Thanks guys for all the replies..
Meh, I dunno.. I'm in college right now and I think ill just wait till I get my degree and start working. I get about $150 a week and that's about it, so there isn't much to save... Every time I save a few grand, I end up with bills and start back at square 1. It's so frustrating..

So until I finish nursing school.. I don't think ill be going to AMAAAZING THAILAND yet..
The way I see it is.. by 24 ill be done with school and working fulltime as a nurse. My boyfriend will be done with medical school and working as a doctor, and then ill be able to finish up with surgery followed by a WEDDING! MUWAHAHAHA

..But you know.. life may take a turn for the worst and I end up alone and selling my ->-bleeped-<- ass on the street for food. >.>;
So you never know..