For SRS in Calif. - Resource for "SRS Surgeon look"

[kathyk]

Figured this should be posted separately from "SRS Surgeon Look", but may need to be moved or reposted in News, and the FTM forums.  I don't know if anyone has brought this up before because I wasn't around for a few months.

Kaiser Permanente Health in California made a critical decision last April to cover bottom surgery for women, and both top and bottom surgery for men.  They will not cover FFS or Enhancements as these are considered cosmetic unless there's a physical defect or scaring injury.  This decision now makes it possible to have surgery for a small percentage of the total cost, but that cost still depends on the coverage that was selected by the insured person.  However some patients can receive completely free surgery if they have enough added coverage from other insurance plans. 

I believe Kaiser is the first large HMO in the US to understand and accept the needs of their trans patients.  I'm personally pleased with this decision, even though I must go to the Kaiser assigned surgeon.  However, I heard rumors that they've been in touch with Marci Bowers, who has moved her practice from Trinidad Colorado to San Mateo California, and is now only 30 minutes away from Kaiser's large surgical hospitals in SF and Oakland.