Susan's Place Transgender Resources

I went in to get my refill for finasteride today.

"I'm sorry, we should have called you about this.  The insurance company has refused to pay for this prescription.  They say it is not appropriate for administering to females."

Grrrr!  I hate Medica! 

Another example of insurance company bureaucratic stupidity.

The doctor gives you a script but the insurance company knows better?  What crap. >:(

I hope you can sort it out, Lisbeth, to your advantage.

hugs and smiles
Emelye

Well they are correct technically (if you have had the official M changed to F).

Finasteride is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia and male-pattern baldness. It is not indicated for treatment of females.

There are some studies of finasteride being ineffective to treat baldness in natal women, but some doctors write out scripts since the studies focused on older postmenopausal women rather than younger ones. Using finasteride (or dutasteride) makes sense for mtfs experiencing hair loss.

Generic finasteride is quite cheap, so if you can get the cheap ones it may be affordable even without the insurance. Another alternative could be to get a doctor write it as part of HRT or fight with the insurance company.

Quote from: taru on July 22, 2007, 10:41:02 AM
Well they are correct technically (if you have had the official M changed to F).

I have not been able to do that.  My ID still has an "M" on it.  Didn't matter.

Quote from: taru on July 22, 2007, 10:41:02 AM
Finasteride is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia and male-pattern baldness. It is not indicated for treatment of females.

Although when they were trying to override the computer, I heard the pharmacist say that it is sometimes prescribed for females.

Quote from: taru on July 22, 2007, 10:41:02 AM
Another alternative could be to get a doctor write it as part of HRT or fight with the insurance company.

It is prescribed as part of my HRT regimen.  From the beginning.  They've been paying for it for years.  And yes, I am fighting them on it.

Yeah, I've had our medical plan require me to go through two psychiatrist interviews before I can get a hysto because they say it's part of SRS. Yet, they refused to cover a pap smear when my doctor recommended I get one because I haven't jumped through their hoops for a hysto, because I'm male on their records.

So I can't get it taken out and I can't get it checked to make sure it's not a risk. Beautiful.

Dennis

Quote from: Lisbeth on July 21, 2007, 07:54:27 PM
.... The insurance company has refused to pay for this prescription.  They say it is not appropriate for administering to females."

Grrrr!  I hate Medica! 

I've thought carefully about all this 'legalism', and have so decided the only thing I need changed is my dirver's License, my primary form of identification.  I don't want my medical mucked around with, or my social security, retirement benefits, mortgage contracts, etc.  The only reason I see for me personally to go through a total legal name change, is if I ever wish to travel, and need a passport.  I travel locally, and if some day I need or want to travel internationally, I'll face whatever must be addressed.
Another consideration, for  instance, with only a driver's license change, no matter who I look like, or what the gender marker is, Marcy and I are legally married in any state of the Union, and any where else we may go.
Just a few things to consider.  I'm sure many here know much more about this, but for now, I'm happy with this.

Bev

Quote from: Beverly on July 24, 2007, 12:22:51 PM
I've thought carefully about all this 'legalism', and have so decided the only thing I need changed is my dirver's License, my primary form of identification.  I don't want my medical mucked around with, or my social security, retirement benefits, mortgage contracts, etc.  The only reason I see for me personally to go through a total legal name change, is if I ever wish to travel, and need a passport. 

I originally looked into that possibility.  After 9/11 they made it impossible in my state to change the name on a driver's license without getting a legal name change.

Technically it doesn't have to be your legal name, but it has to be the name on your currently existing identification.

Quote from: Lisbeth on July 24, 2007, 12:43:27 PM
  After 9/11 they made it impossible in my state to change the name on a driver's license without getting a legal name change.

I'm kind of anxious now (kind of??!!) to get mine through, as I believe my state is going to change policy very soon.  I'm hoping to get under the wire, and my case will be grandfathered....or rather 'grandmothered'.

Beverly,
fingers, toes, and eyes crossed

They paid.  When you transition you have to be prepared to fight the insurance companies for your rights.