Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Do you have health insurance? If so, how much? Does it cover your transition?

I think we'd better leave this to Americans, hadn't we?  Otherwise we'll just find out what we already know, that people from every other First world country have got at least some form of insurance.

Lia

Fully covered through the union.  It would cover a lot of the SRS if I so choose.

Quote from: genovais on January 19, 2008, 11:44:49 PM
I think we'd better leave this to Americans, hadn't we?  Otherwise we'll just find out what we already know, that people from every other First world country have got at least some form of insurance.

Lia

Exactly, Lia. I assume that's for Americans only because no point in the rest of us answering. Coverage for trans issues isn't the best here (BC, Canada), but the rest of health issues are definitely covered and if you have the patience to wait and fight a bit, so's the trans stuff.

Dennis

I chose option one.  I am fully insured.  My insurance plan covers everything (except for sex reassignment surgery, of course); however, it does cover, hormones, therapy, and gynecological exams after SRS as well as everything else...no deductible and no limit, thank goodness!

tink :icon_chick:

P.S.  I wished it had covered electrolysis too. ;D

My insurance covers everything including SRS.  HRT and some other procedures are also covered.

Guess I should actually answer my own poll  :P Sorry, probably should've specified this is for those who live in countries without socialized medicine too...  :embarrassed:

I don't have health insurance. Bupkis. Nada. If I need health care, I either pay out of pocket, as I've done for all of my transition related expenses, or just lie in bed with my head under the covers until I get better.

y2g

I am completely uninsured and since I have a medical condition I have no chance of getting medical insurance.

Insured, but it doesn't cover anything TS-related.

~Kate~

I was insured when I transitioned, except for GRS and electrolysis. My hormones were covered and everything else. I have a new job since transitioning and they cover all my gyno procedures, like mammos and etc. All my meds are covered. I do have to pay a co-pay though but it is just like anyone else, I'm not singled out. I could get free doctor care if I went to our clinic, but they really don't do a good job, to anyone.
Sheila

I'm insured for all my prescriptions, dental, medical and they covered a portion of my GRS.  They also cover a portion of my electrolysis.

Steph

Quote from: Laura91 on January 20, 2008, 09:45:16 AM
I am completely uninsured and since I have a medical condition I have no chance of getting medical insurance.

If your medical condition is disabling you may qualify for Medicaid.  It's not the best but it will give you greater protection than you have now.  If you qualify for SSI or SSDI you can receive income as well as Medicare which includes prescription drug coverage.  If you are able to work, employment with a large enough institution can provide you coverage as well.  Government and educational institutions are big and generally tolerant of trans people.

Quote from: Claire de Lune on January 20, 2008, 12:04:23 PM

Quote from: Laura91 on January 20, 2008, 09:45:16 AM
I am completely uninsured and since I have a medical condition I have no chance of getting medical insurance.

If your medical condition is disabling you may qualify for Medicaid.  It's not the best but it will give you greater protection than you have now.  If you qualify for SSI or SSDI you can receive income as well as Medicare which includes prescription drug coverage.  If you are able to work, employment with a large enough institution can provide you coverage as well.  Government and educational institutions are big and generally tolerant of trans people.

I do qualify for and I am receiving SSI but I have been given the runaround on the Medicaid thing. Chances are I will probably never get Medicaid so as of now its all out of pocket for me.

When I transitioned, my insurance carrier did not have a specific exclusion for GRS.  They would not pre approve my surgery and after the surgery, they denied my claim.  I threatened to sue and they paid for a good chunk of my expenses (about seventy percent).  It took about two years for me to go through the process.  But I'm glad that I stood up for myself.  Perhaps I helped establish the medical necessity for others to some degree.  Perhaps not.  I figured it was worth a shot and it paid off.

I answered the poll that I have insurance that does not cover GRS however.  That's how the poll is designed.  My current insurance specifically does not cover it.  I have copays and I pay a significant part of my meds (about 50 percent).

Cindi

I have...dental insurance.

I could have opted in to my company's insurance, but I didn't want to pay the extra, for something that wasn't going to cover the main medical expense I have on a month to month basis.  Maybe if I am making more money next year I will opt-in.

I have fairly standard medical and dental. I pay a monthly premium and a copay for appointments or meds. It does NOT cover any trans-related issues. They are very specifically excluded. You'd think a medical facility would provide better coverage for their own employees.

Karen Lyn

AMEN TINK!!! I wish mine would cover laser & electro too!!! I have a long way to go, but I love the place that I go to here in PHX, Az, their great (Arizona Laser, Electrolysis and Skin Care).

my insurance carrier covers everything, including transition.  no grs though.

my insurance carrier covers everything, including transition.  no grs though.

Unique definition of 'everything' then.

I have coverage (forever and uncancellable) with a deductable but no dental (too expensive) and it has a very explicit exclusion clause for anything "transsexual related" because it's defined as elective or cosmetic surgery including SRS/GRS. But many treatments are unisex, such as hrt, mammograms, etc., so they end up covering them. I still haven't gotten them to cover my therapist yet, but we're working on this for 40% coverage.

Quote

QuoteIf your medical condition is disabling you may qualify for Medicaid.  It's not the best but it will give you greater protection than you have now.  If you qualify for SSI or SSDI you can receive income as well as Medicare which includes prescription drug coverage.  If you are able to work, employment with a large enough institution can provide you coverage as well.  Government and educational institutions are big and generally tolerant of trans people.

I do qualify for and I am receiving SSI but I have been given the runaround on the Medicaid thing. Chances are I will probably never get Medicaid so as of now its all out of pocket for me.

Benefits are funny things.  They you have them but make you fight like hell to get them.  The people in the social services office are not evil.  They are required to follow proceedure to the letter and that's what they do.  A few helpful hints:

1.  Forms can be long and complex.  If you don't understand something find someone who does, like the case worker. 

2.  Have it reviewed beefore you submit it.  A small error can cause denial, which puts you in the appeals process.  You don't want to go there!

3.  Doggedly pursue the goal.  If someone tells you no keep going to other people until you find one that says yes.

4.  Always be cordial and polite to the person on the other side of the desk.  He or she puts up with a lot of krap.  A smile and a kind word may motivate them to go a little farther for you than normal.

Good luck!  Try and find a low income or disabled advocacy group.  They can help you!   :)

I got insurance now.  I was w/o it for 3 months b/c I was new on the job.  But I just got my insurance card & it covers T, checkups & other stuff.  $250 a yr for deductible w/o limit.  It doesnt take care of bottom surgery though :(