Best ways to finance transitioning.

[Robbyv213]

If you don't mind me asking, and if it's not too personal. I'd like to know how some of you were able to find the money to transition. Be it through insurance, grants, years of saving up money, winning the lottery/jackpot/gambling (lol), selling things etc. the list can go on.

I think it may be beneficial if we can compile a list or strategies on how to financially afford to transition.

For me I am lucky to have The V/A for covering most of the costs of transitioning (minus the really expensive stuff). Without having them I honestly don't see how I could ever even hope to afford to transition yet alone to the extent I think I'd want to (including surgeries etc).

I hope that we can make a good resource for individuals who are having serve anxiety and depression just thinking about the astronomical cost to transition.

I know there are grants out there that are awarded to individuals once or twice a year to help pay for or part of the cost of something they need for their transition .

Other than selling ones of possession's and or taking out a mortgage or refinancing their home to have the money to transition.

I don't really see any other way other than to get into some pretty serious debt.

[Lori Dee]

I think a few of the ladies here had great insurance coverage. I'll let them chime in on their experience.

Under Minnesota Law, it is illegal for an insurance company to discriminate by refusing coverage for gender-affirming care, including surgery. They might not cover services out of network or out of state, but it might be worthwhile to investigate. Even if the monthly premiums are pretty high, it could be worth it to adjust your budget to afford that insurance.

Medicare does cover surgery with the letters of recommendation that most surgeons require. With Medicare's deductible, co-pays, co-insurance, and other not-covered costs, I can't afford to have them pay for an x-ray, let alone major surgery. I took out a personal loan from my bank (USAA) to pay for my facial surgery. $11,000 total and I am still paying on that.

I am hopeful that Harris will get elected and change the VA's policy of discrimination against transgender veterans. It is a shame that the Department of Veterans Affairs appears to be the only U.S. government agency that does this.

[Robbyv213]

@Lori Dee

Yes, hopefully the VA changes their policy. I will def be looking into my works insurance when open enrollment comes. I typically don't have any other insurance outside of the VA, but I may have to get some if it will help pay for things that the VA won't.

[Robbyv213]

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/personal-loans/transgender-surgery-cost/

Found this article from 2022 by Forbes describing ways to pay for ones transition.

[Lori Dee]

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/personal-loans/transgender-surgery-cost/

Found this article from 2022 by Forbes describing ways to pay for ones transition.

Robby,

Thank you for that. And for starting this thread. I think this is a great topic and could be a valuable resource to members for years to come.