Susan's Place Transgender Resources

(trigger warning: my friend hasn't switched pronouns)
I have an MtF friend who is still just thinking about any sort of transition. We had a long talk last night because I finally came out to him a little bit ago (I was stealth...ish). Talking to me really helped according to him, but he has a fear about insurance. We live in the U.S. and he's in his early 20's. He is on his father's insurance and he's pretty sure he's going to lose his father when he becomes the woman he wants to be. He can't get on his mom's insurance though he lives with her and she knows about this and is supportive in every other way possible. I'm too old to know what the "until your 26" insurance thing is like. I don't know if he can  ditch his dad's insurance before turning 26? If you can and your part time job offers insurance itself do you then HAVE to pick up that insurance or can you use Medicaid because you still make ->-bleeped-<- for money? I feel like this was the only thing I didn't know what to say about it. I do know it's a legitimate fear and can leave you feeling cornered even when all the family members that really matter are supportive.

https://www.healthcare.gov/young-adults/children-under-26/

A lot can depend on the state you live in and the specific insurance policy coverage.  Unfortunately there are "exclusionary riders" that can kick us off the coverage bus.  It is important then to check the specifics and read the small print or ask the detailed question; Does this policy cover HRT, etc??

Thanks for being a good friend

Quote from: Tessa James on January 22, 2015, 12:27:06 PM
A lot can depend on the state you live in and the specific insurance policy coverage.  Unfortunately there are "exclusionary riders" that can kick us off the coverage bus.  It is important then to check the specifics and read the small print or ask the detailed question; Does this policy cover HRT, etc??

Thanks for being a good friend

We're in Ohio. I have Care Source myself and I don't know about my vial of testosterone yet, but my plan covers the Endocrinologist and therapists. I really don't know if it covers sugery yet as I'm not ready for that yet. And right now my friend just want's to get on hormones because he feels awkard dressing as female without passing on the face. He's doesn't want to live as a woman before he feels like he looks like one becuase he is horrifed about "not fooling anyone". He's seen a Gender Specailist and once recently had his estrogen letter right at his finger tips. Then he freaked out that his dad would findout and kick him off. So let's say he gets the ball rolling on his father's insurance and his fears are realized. Would having been on hormones already be one of those "exclusionary riders"?

Quote from: assorted_human on January 22, 2015, 03:14:50 PM
We're in Ohio. I have Care Source myself and I don't know about my vial of testosterone yet, but my plan covers the Endocrinologist and therapists. I really don't know if it covers sugery yet as I'm not ready for that yet. And right now my friend just want's to get on hormones because he feels awkard dressing as female without passing on the face. He's doesn't want to live as a woman before he feels like he looks like one becuase he is horrifed about "not fooling anyone". He's seen a Gender Specailist and once recently had his estrogen letter right at his finger tips. Then he freaked out that his dad would findout and kick him off. So let's say he gets the ball rolling on his father's insurance and his fears are realized. Would having been on hormones already be one of those "exclusionary riders"?

The rider is what might be written into an insurance policy that explicitly states they will not cover HRT or SRS.  There are several states, not Ohio;( that have mandated the insurance industry must cover our care.  I would again recommend you check with Care Source and see what they cover, it could change your plans.  So glad you have access to care and T.  Your friend sounds pretty cool about being open and honest and has obviously done some work to get that letter.  One thing the Affordable Care Act did was to stop insurance carriers from avoiding care for us by calling it a preexisting condition.   Because he/she has had care is a good indication it is medically necessary and should be continued.  If he/she loses her father's coverage they can apply to the state pool and look for coverage that includes what is needed.  Hope that helps

That helped a lot. Thanks Tessa! :D