Insurance and HRT

[Ryan B.]

So, I haven't started HRT yet.  I have a session today with my therapist though and I'm going to bring it up again.

I have some worries though.  I'm not really concerned with the cost of hormones.  I know I'm going to need blood work done however.  Does insurance generally cover blood work, or is that something most trans folk have to pay out of pocket in the US?  And if so, can anyone tell me what the average price is likely going to be?

If my insurance doesn't cover it, I will likely have to pay out of pocket.  So, I'm a little worried about cost.

[suzifrommd]

My doctor codes the prescription in some way that doesn't flag it as treatment for GID. My insurance company just pays for it like any other prescription. Don't know if this is ethical, but a lot of trans people I know say their doctors do this.

[Ryan B.]

Guess it doesn't really matter now. Therapist basically told me I don't need to start hrt until after top surgery because my chest is too big.