U.S. doctors will not take Medicare. UPDATE! I am in deep now!

[Shantel]

They let the interns go through them. If you were ever a Congressional intern, a lot of what you'll be doing is reading correspondence from constituents.

I once wrote my rep about issues related to the DTV transition. I heard nothing back until a couple months before the election. An intern called me and said, "rest assured rep XXXXX supports digital TV." I asked other questions and basically the intern said, "I will let representative XXXXX know." totally missing the point.

I used to write my Senators and Representatives only to get a mass produced form letter in reply which made it abundantly clear to me that my letter went into the round file after being screened by one of many interns who then dutifully sent the standard reply. I know they get reams of mail each day from their constituents and would hardly be able to answer any of it personally, but this makes it clear how people become so jaded and indifferent to the process because they know it doesn't work and that they don't count.

[JulieBlair]

Jessica,

I just sent your letter to the lawyers and staff I know and will see next week at EEOC in DC.  It is on the agenda.

Julie

[Shantel]

Jessica,

I just sent your letter to the lawyers and staff I know and will see next week at EEOC in DC.  It is on the agenda.

Julie

Always good to have those kinds of connections to get one's foot in the door, good going Julie!

[AriannaRavengirl]

don't forget that Medicare was raped to pay for the "Affordable Care Act". My wife is disabled and they've cut her benefits back. She pays her whole disability check on medical costs. Covering SRS did not work out well for Venezuela. Not trying to be mean but sometimes we girls just have to take care of ourselves.
Have you tried www.gofundme.com ? Just an idea. I was out of work for 2 years and had to put my own needs aside and get retrained. I'm making a very decent living in IT now at one of the top 2 computer companies (dude..should have got a ....). School costs me ~ 12K. The gov will supplement that for you.

[EllieM]

Covering SRS did not work out well for Venezuela.

Different country, different priorities, different budget. The issue here is about the interaction between physicians and insurance companies and how that impinges on people depending on them to correct a condition, a condition which if left untreated is potentially fatal. Keep in mind, this is for the common good. The way to fix it is to steer the ship of bureaucracy directly into this gale and hold course till fair winds and following seas prevail.

[Allyda]

I just want to say thank you, to both Jess and Julie for what you are both doing for the benefit of all of us. Again, my deepest thanks!

My enemy with regard to SRS is time. I don't have many good years left and I need to have my surgery while I'm still able to get out, be active and do things. I know others have had SRS who are older than I, but I've suffered a horrible accident in 91 that left me with chronic pain and other issues that are only getting worse. If I don't have my SRS soon I fear I won't have time to enjoy life as the whole woman I should have been.

Ally

[Illuminess]

I receive SSI, and once had Medicaid along with it. Then I moved from Texas to Oregon for a year. I waited and waited for them to approve my coverage, and then they did as soon as I moved back. So now I have to try to get it again here. I don't know the connection between Medicare and Medicaid (or if there even is one), but I certainly believe that either of them should provide coverage. Not just for SRS, but for all necessary procedures that relieve dysphoria and bring us all to our acceptable physical place. I know that many Conservatives abhor the idea, either because they think being trans is mental illness or that they "shouldn't have to pay" for any of it. I would agree that no one should have to pay into medical coverage if it's only being abused, but that's not what this is. And for someone to even be allowed to receive SSI they have to have a genuine medical condition that prevents them from working. So, what am I supposed to do? I'll be sacrificing a large portion of my benefits to cover HRT and blood work and possibly even electrolysis if I can't get financial help from family. I don't mind doing so, but then I'm left with barely anything for myself. I even had to request if I could skip my rent next month for when I get things going. It sometimes makes me feel like transitioning is actually detrimental to my life. What's the use of being the full extent of myself if I can't afford to express it? Government seriously needs to just self-destruct, because it clearly cannot keep its hands out of our personal lives and needs.

[LordKAT]

That government you want to self destruct is responsible for you receiving anything like SSI or medicaid/medicare. It may need adjustment, but be careful not to bit the hand that feeds you.

[Illuminess]

That government you want to self destruct is responsible for you receiving anything like SSI or medicaid/medicare. It may need adjustment, but be careful not to bit the hand that feeds you.

I understand your point, and I don't disagree. I'm quite in favour of a Meritocracy which is all about genuine and fair participation of the state to ensure everyone has equal opportunity and proper benefits for those with disabilities. So, it's not that I'm against government in general, I just don't like the one we have. The fact that I get SSI isn't enough reason for me to praise them. We all have to endure the unnecessary cronyism, political correctness and nepotism of modern Capitalist "Democracy", but I believe we'll definitely adjust this flaw in due time. And before anyone might get on my case for being seemingly anti-Capitalism, let me just state that I completely support the liberty of the individual to prosper according to their merit. What we have today is an abomination. Not only do we have increasingly poor health coverage, but class division keeps getting more and more polarised; and clearly, we still allow a bunch of biased and bigoted nutters to decide what is and isn't in our best interest. Medical transition should be considered equally as necessary for mental health as a prescription for an SSRI (which is far more damaging than any trans-related procedure). It's like we are living in Alice's looking glass...

"If I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense. Nothing would be what it is, because everything would be what it isn't. And contrary wise, what is, it wouldn't be. And what it wouldn't be, it would. You see?"

[mowdan6]

Been watching this thread and thought it was time I post.  I am on medicare and have also been on T for over 10 years.  I never had my hysto surgery.  couldn't afford it.  So, with the medicare ban lifted and given the fact that I deal with a non-profit hospital that accepts medicare, I looked into finally getting the hysto done.  I was given a flat out, 'No'.  Since they are not dealing with diseased tissue, they refuse to do the surgery.  So, this lifting of the ban on surgery by medicare....worthless. 

[Jessica Merriman]

So, this lifting of the ban on surgery by medicare....worthless.

This exactly!! Someone mentioned Dr. Bowers is taking Medicare. I just got a call that is not the case. Funny how she can take it in her O.B./Gynecology practice, but not trans practice. Discrimination from someone who should know better herself?? I suppose all that private pay money is a lot better than what Medicare will pay her. Grrrrr!

I have started getting replies back and it is the same bull cookies. "Oh we would love to help. HOWEVER many other things are taking priority at this time. We are involved in conflicts around the world, a fragile economy, etc.".

In other words, you trans people can suck it! 

[Jess42]

This exactly!! Someone mentioned Dr. Bowers is taking Medicare. I just got a call that is not the case. Funny how she can take it in her O.B./Gynecology practice, but not trans practice. Discrimination from someone who should know better herself?? I suppose all that private pay money is a lot better than what Medicare will pay her. Grrrrr!

I have started getting replies back and it is the same bull cookies. "Oh we would love to help. HOWEVER many other things are taking priority at this time. We are involved in conflicts around the world, a fragile economy, etc.".

In other words, you trans people can suck it! 

Well, it may be time to tell them to go "suck it" back. You know mid terms are coming up? If we could all get on the same page and pencil someone in our areas that do have us in mind or someone that is not "establishment" politicians, that might get their attention. I just really don't see it happening though.

Bull cookies my butt. Call it for what it is:

Stupid ignorant, lying idiots. I bet you thought I was gonna' say something else huh? I bet you were getting the ban button warmed up.

But seriously it isn't anything new. Snake oil salesmen, forked tounged devils, telling their perceived voting base what they want to hear just to keep their "jobs".
So sorry Sis, but cash is King or Queen even to those who supposedly understand us and are on our side and wish the very best for us.*Note the sarcasm* and until it is recognized that we are legitimately in danger of our lives and it is a necessary procedure in order to enhance our quality of life whether HRT or SRS. We will always be on our own.

BTW. Does Medicare cover cosmetic surgery? Just curious. I have no dealings with Medicare or Medicaid.

[Jessica Merriman]

BTW. Does Medicare cover cosmetic surgery? Just curious. I have no dealings with Medicare or Medicaid.

No on FFS, VFS, BE or anything else. I found the only reason HRT is covered is it is under the drug plan which has totally different rules. Grrrr!

Don't worry about the BAN button sweetie, but the Politicians better get ready for the Jessica B*TCH button to be pressed. Enough is enough!!

<computer entry> B*TCH button initiated. Program running!!  I wonder how I will look in Federal prison orange? Will it clash with my blue eyes and blonde hair? 

[Jess42]

No on FFS, VFS, BE or anything else. I found the only reason HRT is covered is it is under the drug plan which has totally different rules. Grrrr!

Don't worry about the BAN button sweetie, but the Politicians better get ready for the Jessica B*TCH button to be pressed. Enough is enough!!

<computer entry> B*TCH button initiated. Program running!!  I wonder how I will look in Federal prison orange? Will it clash with my blue eyes and blonde hair? 

Sis. I am hurt. The Jessica B*TCHES button. I don't even want SRS but I will write and join the fight. Who do I need to write to. I'm not a really political person ya' know.

I don't know hon. Orange goes pretty good with blue eyes and blonde hair. Just not an orange jumpsuit with OKDC on it. I'm a dirty blond with hazel eyes and coral, which is almost orange, looks good on me. Little coral spaghetti strap tank with a white short skirt and white high wedge sandals with coral fingernails and toenails and I'm good to go.

[Cindy]

Just thinking of another approach. Try and get the medics involved, ask them to join the campaign, why will they not accept or take medicare. Get them to state that this is not cosmetic but life saving, go for the human rights issue. We have the medics on side in Aus, they are joining the fight to empower the community.

Ask Bowers, McGinn to fight with you, don't get them offside get them to join.

[Missy~rmdlm]

Dr Bowers has stated her practice is looking into it, nothing more yet. Bottom line is adequate compensation hasn't been hammered out.

[Jessica Merriman]

I don't know hon. Orange goes pretty good with blue eyes and blonde hair. Just not an orange jumpsuit with OKDC on it. I'm a dirty blond with hazel eyes and coral, which is almost orange, looks good on me. Little coral spaghetti strap tank with a white short skirt and white high wedge sandals with coral fingernails and toenails and I'm good to go.

OMG! I never even thought of what kind of shoes goes with the jumpsuits.  I must be losing it! 

Just thinking of another approach. Try and get the medics involved, ask them to join the campaign, why will they not accept or take medicare. Get them to state that this is not cosmetic but life saving, go for the human rights issue. We have the medics on side in Aus, they are joining the fight to empower the community.

Ask Bowers, McGinn to fight with you, don't get them offside get them to join.

That is a good idea Cindy! I have been polite with them so far and have not CAUSED any damage. Hmmmm. I will rethink and develop a new strategy. I knew I loved you for some reason! 

[Jess42]

Just thinking of another approach. Try and get the medics involved, ask them to join the campaign, why will they not accept or take medicare. Get them to state that this is not cosmetic but life saving, go for the human rights issue. We have the medics on side in Aus, they are joining the fight to empower the community.

Ask Bowers, McGinn to fight with you, don't get them offside get them to join.

Really Jessica. We should all move to Australia. It seems like the Aussies have more things right than we do. No Offense Cindy. I mean OMG, Cindy is a star in Australia. I live in the swam and there are swamps in Australia, or at least they have Crocodiles. Do they taste anything like Alligator Cindy?

Hell Jessica. We could move to places that make us feel right at home. Just gotta' learn the lingo first. Are we Sheilas in Australia? I know what they call us here but Cindy seems to be a star there. Just sayin'.

Anybody that comes up with Foster's I am a fan of.

Seriously though Cindy. How do the Aussies accept trans genders outside of the big population areas like Sydney and Adelaide? I won't lie, I have thought about Australia on more than one occasion and you keep pushing me further south with the interview and how well you were accepted. Nut the small towns in the outback though. How do they think of trans genders? Yeah I know. It sounds like a crazy stupid idea but I am crazy and stupid and kind of looking for a change. A big change.

OMG! I never even thought of what kind of shoes goes with the jumpsuits.  I must be losing it! 

Wedges sis. White for sure. Open toed high wedges to show off the coral toenails. I'll never forget. I walked into the TA truck stop just outside of OKC on I40 with cut off short shorts. Coral on my fingernails and toenails. High wedge sandals, hair fixed, a little tank top  and some makeup at about 3AM and 4 drivers offered to walk me to my truck. I let one and he was nothing but respectful. We ran all the way to Albuquerque together and he never had a feakin' clue. I mean, c'mon now? No clue? Are guys really that clueless or what? I thought I was gonna' get killed but had a little "high speed chicken feed" in my system so I was really brave. Guys never cease to amaze me or confuse me at least.

[Wynternight]

Australia's lovely if not for the fact that all of the wildlife wants TO KILL YOU RIGHT IN THE FACE!!!

[Jessica Merriman]

Australia's lovely if not for the fact that all of the wildlife wants TO KILL YOU RIGHT IN THE FACE!!!

As long as they do it without transphobic ideation I am so in!!!!