Insurance and therapists

[amells]

Hello! Im new here and I've been browsing for a little bit

I'm turning 18 in a few months and my family has Kaiser. I want to get on testosterone as soon as I can so I can appear to just be a late bloomer or something. It'll be out of my own pocket, so I kind of want to get a feel for how much things will cost and if I'll need yo request more hours at work. And if so, how many.

First off, does anyone know reputable gender therapists in Colorado, preferably in the Aurora/Parker area? Denver is fine but not my first choice. How much does it cost? How frequent are visits? How quickly can I get approval for Injections? I've heard it usually takes 1-2 months, but I would like a wider pool of experience to get information from.

Second, does Kaiser cover testosterone shots? I've been looking online but all I'm seeing are posts about studies related to taking hormones.

Also, how do I use the insurance? Do I inform them of my provider on a form? I know my local Kaiser clinic requires the insurance card to pick up medication, but how would I get it to cover therapy costs? Does using insurance change how much my parents spend per month?

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[Michelle_P]

OK, if you are on a Kaiser plan, you'll likely get your best results and easiest treatment by staying within their system.  Kaiser Colorado added transgender care to their plans starting in 2013.

Talk to your primary care physician, and come out to them, and ask for a referral to their transgender care program.  They should be able to connect you with a therapist who can run you through their modified informed consent program (a couple visits, and a referral to an endocrinologist).  That gets you to a Kaiser endocrinologist who can then write a covered prescription for you.

It will take a little perseverance, but it can be done.  If you get an unexpected response, like a doctor that doesn't know about the transgender care program, contact Member Services to clear things up.

[amells]

Thank you a bunch! I just moved here so I don't have a primary care physician yet but as soon as I do..

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[Michelle_P]

Thank you a bunch! I just moved here so I don't have a primary care physician yet but as soon as I do..

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Easy to pick one through their web site!  I encourage you to learn how to log in as a Kaiser member at kp.org, as between the messaging, ease of appointments, and prescription refills, it will make your life so much easier.

Kaiser has been adding 'tags' onto doctors who opt in to be designated as LGBT 'friendly'.  I don't know where the program is at in Colorado yet, but you can always try calling Member Services and asking if there is an LGBT friendly doctor available at a local clinic.  It's a good starting point!