Switching to VA insurance?

[Robyn37]

I decided that I am going to quit my job and move back in with my parents while I transition. I have been travelling since I got hired, and will continue to be travelling for another year at least and I really need some stability. Fortunately, I will be able to use a lot of the great benefits that I received from my military service! I still qualify for unemployment from the military in CA, where I will be going, even though I quit. I will be able to work on my military disability, which I have been unable to schedule the appointments for since I separated. I will also get to use my GI Bill and get a degree in my true love, environmental science! I will also be using my VA healthcare, since I won't have my employer provided healthcare anymore. Has anyone used the VA for their hormone treatment, and how long did it take to finally get approved? I want to make sure I get a big enough supply to hold me over until I can get my appointments with the right people at the VA. I am already registered at the VA clinic I will be using, so I don't have to deal with that hassle. Any advice is appreciated, thank you!

[Devlyn]

This is a pdf file that should help. I don't have any experience with the VA, but I'm leaning towards using them.  I earned it, I might as well use it.

http://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2863

Hugs, Devlyn

[Leeloo_Dallas]

I'm about to do the same.  Paying out of pocket right now.  I was told it's fairly simple if you have your medical documentation proving you're currently under the care of another doctor.

[skin]

Every VA is different. My experience in Milwaukee is that it took me just a couple weeks to start seeing a therapist when my primary doc put in the referral to outpatient mental health. Once I told the therapist I was ready for a endo referral it took like 2 months before I could get in. But, like I said, wait times are different at every VA. 

[Robyn37]

Thanks Devlyn! I have that pdf saved on my computer, that is one big reason I decided I would be able to use my VA insurance. I guess I will just have to suck up any costs while I wait for the Endo appointment, even civilian endocrinologists are 2 month waits lol. Thank you for the advice everyone!

[justpat]

   I use the VA for most everything and if you are over 50% rated there is no copay for meds.Below that the copay is I think $6 or $8 as I am over 50% I don't pay. They are pretty good but you have to follow up on everything especially appointments to make sure they are scheduled. It is important to get registered for   Healthevet  the VA website and have the upgrades membership.Then you can check on everything from your appointments to ordering meds on line and also have access to the BLUE BUTTON which takes you to your records and lets you see exactly what the doctors write about you and your condition. Questions just pm me. I go to three different centers each has is own specialty and each one is 1.5 hours from where I live, but you can file for travel pay which gives you mileage from your residence and back and pays for the gas.

[Joi]

Hi!  I have been in the VA sys since 2002.  It takes a while to learn all of the ins & outs of the system, but once you learn them you'll be fine.  I started seeing the designated LGBT therapist in Oct.'14. Started my transition about the same time with electrolysis in Oct., and a breast Aug. in early Dec. (my out of pocket $$'s)  VA will help with sex marker changes & legal name change documentation issues.  No GRS surgeries, but if wanted you may be able to swing an orchiectomy at VA expense. ((This would eliminate the need for Androgen blockers (Spiro))  Requested "Cross Sex Hormone Therapy"  (this is the VA terminology) In Jan. was evaluated by the lead Mental Health Psychiatrist. In early Feb. had lab work to check T & E levels. Apptmnt. with Endo Mar. 11.  Started Estradiol, Medroxy-progesterone, Spiro Mar. 11.  Things are moving right along.  All meds. $9 ea. per month. 1st follow-up with Endo. Aug.  Hope this helps.  Good Luck!
Hugz,  Joi

[Robyn37]

I have an endo appt on May 4th. My current prescribing doc gave me my records so hopefully he will just want new blood work. The VA here even has a speech pathologist that works with transgender people, thats pretty cool. I really like my current therapist so I will probably stick with her. Ill update after the appointment, let you know how it goes!