Start up costs of T

[Nygeel]

Hello, all of you. I'm looking to find some information about the starting costs of T in the US. I currently have insurance through AmeriChoice. Somebody told me that the start up costs (meaning cost for endo, blood tests, T, etc) costing $300 would be a good deal. I didn't realize that it was going to cost me this much. Right now I'm on unemployment and don't have the money...it's a bit of a catch 22. I'm waiting to be on T before I start a job since I don't feel like I could get one as trans and not passing. I can't get on T until I get a job.

I'm thinking about possibly going to a clinic which might be more affordable but I'd like a realistic estimate from those who have gone through it. So, how much does getting on T cost?

[Adio]

My endo is at a hospital and to see her it's $200 a visit.  The initial blood work she wanted done cost roughly $1000.  The T from the hospital (one dose only) was $80.  Total from the hospital alone=$1280 (with insurance)

When it came time for the 3 month blood work, I decided to go to a clinic.  I had three tests done all for $80 (without insurance).  In the hospital it would have been close to $500 for the same tests (with insurance).

Definitely shop around and check out the different clinics or independent labs that are available.  I wish I had the first time.  Now I just get my blood work done separate from my endo.  Way less expensive.

[Nygeel]

Yea, I've been shopping around for the past 3 years, trying to save money. I did originally see a therapist maybe 2 years ago. I didn't feel comfortable with my therapist and it was the only one in my area I could afford. I've been looking for an endo or clinic in the area that's affordable and works on informed consent. There's the LGBT health center in NYC (2 hours away) but they don't take my insurance. There's another clinic slightly further away that will take my insurance but I've heard mixed reviews and I know they've got funding cut. There's also the LGBT health center in Philly that I've been told is even better, but I've only heard that from one person.

I sure as hell cannot afford $1,000 in medical expenses. Hell, $100 would be a stretch.

[Stella Blue]

Yea, I've been shopping around for the past 3 years, trying to save money. I did originally see a therapist maybe 2 years ago. I didn't feel comfortable with my therapist and it was the only one in my area I could afford. I've been looking for an endo or clinic in the area that's affordable and works on informed consent. There's the LGBT health center in NYC (2 hours away) but they don't take my insurance. There's another clinic slightly further away that will take my insurance but I've heard mixed reviews and I know they've got funding cut. There's also the LGBT health center in Philly that I've been told is even better, but I've only heard that from one person.

I sure as hell cannot afford $1,000 in medical expenses. Hell, $100 would be a stretch.

I have an appointment in at the clinic in New York in June and I told them I don't have insurance, they'll work with you on a sliding scale if you are broke. Only problem is the wait between calling and setting up the appointment and when it is, because I've never been there before my appointment was made for 2 months after I called!! If you tell them your situation maybe they can work with you, I don't know too much about the one in Philly thooo.

[Nygeel]

Which one in NYC? Callen-Lorde, or CHN Bronx? Callen-Lorde doesn't take my insurance and they said sliding scale but I don't know how much of a slide that would be since I do have insurance.

[Stella Blue]

Callen-Lorde, from what they said and what I heard from someone that went there they'll go as low as 20-30 dollars for the initial visit. (for people that are literally broke) As far as the price of hormones themselves I'm not sure as I still have a few weeks before I'll find out everything personally. I guess it couldn't hurt to maybe schedule something as a back up plan if anything and then if you find something better or more convenient you can always cancel. The biggest problem would mostly likely be a bit of a wait., the wait is what has been driving me crazy heh. From what I hear though they are pretty good at accepting people for treatment regardless of their financial situation..

I'm trying to find out more though, more specifically about hormones... if I get more info I will let you know! 

[Nygeel]

Alright. Thanks, I really appreciate it. Callen-Lorde is about 2 hours away. If they don't need "the letter" then that would work out a bit better. Not sure about the center in the Bronx.

[DamienR]

In Canada we are trying to get the government to cover the costs under the universal health care plan. Should be covered next year.. then you can move here!

[Nygeel]

In Canada we are trying to get the government to cover the costs under the universal health care plan. Should be covered next year.. then you can move here!

...no.

[DamienR]

lol
I think if Canada decides to fully cover trans health care (including surgery) a lot of trans people will come here to get it, especially since gay marriage is legal in all provinces. 
hmm...

[Nygeel]

I won't be going to Canada...I don't intend on getting married (disagree with marriage). It's just not a place for me. I think the US health plan that's coming out should cover transition and a lot of US options cover some or most of a person's transition.

[DamienR]

wasn't meaning to offend.

[Arch]

The informed consent clinic in my area (SoCal, unfortunately for you) charges either $25 or $20 for two visits. So Callen-Lorde is a bit higher than that. Still, if you can get in for thirty bucks, that's better than $271, which is what my first (uninsured) endo visit cost--and that didn't include blood work.

So far, the cheapest T I've gotten has been at Strohecker's, online. For less than $60, you get a full 10-mL vial, a bunch of needles, and alcohol swabs. You mail in your prescription or have it called in, and the supplies arrive very quickly after that. How long it lasts depends on how much you inject, of course. The guys I know range anywhere from four months to a year out of one vial.

Hunt around some of the old threads--you might find a better deal elsewhere. But not much better.

[Stella Blue]

Alright. Thanks, I really appreciate it. Callen-Lorde is about 2 hours away. If they don't need "the letter" then that would work out a bit better. Not sure about the center in the Bronx.

It is informed consent basis, that much I know. Depending on your age you will most likely be able to start without much wait from your initial visit. They don't deal too much with the psychiatric evaluation they are more concerned with just checking your physical health and that is the main thing that matters when it comes for them writing a script for hormones. (Though I believe they do offer psychiatric care for all LGBT people, but therapy is not a requirement for hormones) Again this isn't coming from personal experiences but from others that I have spoken to. I will find out for sure myself June 10th .

[Lachlann]

In Canada we are trying to get the government to cover the costs under the universal health care plan. Should be covered next year.. then you can move here!

In some provinces, hormone treatment and surgery are already covered. In Ontario, it's only covered through CAMH, which is very dodgy.

[TheOtherSide]

...no.

http://www.jri.org/theborum/Services-Transgender-Care.php


If you can make it to Boston I would HIGHLY recommend going to the Sidney Borum Jr. Health Center. It's for people between the ages of 12-29. I went there. I had free therapy because my therapist was an intern and only had to go for 5 weeks. On the 6th week I was prescribed T! I had my blood work done twice (at the same place... they cover everything you need to go through in order to get T)... I believe the first time it was $15.00 ( I have united healthcare insurance) and the second time they didn't even charge me.

It's a transsexual's heaven. Check them out.

[Nygeel]

http://www.jri.org/theborum/Services-Transgender-Care.php


If you can make it to Boston I would HIGHLY recommend going to the Sidney Borum Jr. Health Center. It's for people between the ages of 12-29. I went there. I had free therapy because my therapist was an intern and only had to go for 5 weeks. On the 6th week I was prescribed T! I had my blood work done twice (at the same place... they cover everything you need to go through in order to get T)... I believe the first time it was $15.00 ( I have united healthcare insurance) and the second time they didn't even charge me.

It's a transsexual's heaven. Check them out.

The cost to get there and back as well as the amount of time it would take each way (4.5 hours) just doesn't seem reasonable when there are places that are closer which even with transportation costs might be less expensive. Thank you for that information. I'm still gonna hope that somebody knows a bit more about the places in NYC or Philly.

[Carson]

I don't personally know what the Mazzoni center in Philly charges but I know a lot of people who use them and say they are a lot cheaper than most places. It might be worth giving them a call.

[Nygeel]

I don't personally know what the Mazzoni center in Philly charges but I know a lot of people who use them and say they are a lot cheaper than most places. It might be worth giving them a call.

Yea, that's the center I was thinking of in Philly but they're a pretty far drive so I'll attempt to keep it local and if I have to go out of state then I'll do that.