Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Transsexual talk => Male to female transsexual talk (MTF) => Topic started by: Katrina on March 15, 2013, 04:33:49 PM

Title: What is the going rate for Estrogens/anti-andro in the US?
Post by: Katrina on March 15, 2013, 04:33:49 PM
I'm struggling to start my transition soon and I'm afraid my United Healthcare insurance won't cover anything when I start hormones.  Do any of you know how much it can cost out of pocket for these meds? It's in the US so I'm suspecting I'll be paying significantly more than everywhere else, I hope it's something I could afford to do out of pocket if insurance doesn't have my back. (likely)
Title: Re: What is the going rate for Estrogens/anti-andro in the US?
Post by: Alainaluvsu on March 15, 2013, 04:58:12 PM
Depends on the delivery method.
Title: Re: What is the going rate for Estrogens/anti-andro in the US?
Post by: Jennygirl on March 15, 2013, 05:13:35 PM
Pellet implants for me, and has to be out of pocket

It's spendy but worth it

~$120/month

Similar to an insurance premium I guess, which I don't pay because I don't have or agree with insurance policies in this country :P
Title: Re: What is the going rate for Estrogens/anti-andro in the US?
Post by: Anna++ on March 15, 2013, 05:47:07 PM
Why don't you think United will cover hormones?  I also have United, and I've been planning on them covering at least part of the cost when I start...
Title: Re: What is the going rate for Estrogens/anti-andro in the US?
Post by: Ms. OBrien CVT on March 15, 2013, 05:57:20 PM
I take pills and they cost me $20 a month
Title: Re: What is the going rate for Estrogens/anti-andro in the US?
Post by: Katrina on March 15, 2013, 06:34:55 PM
$20 for pills might be the way to go for me then.  I don't have a ton of money, sadly... Does that cover both the estrogen and the anti androgens or just the one?

Quote from: Anna Michele on March 15, 2013, 05:47:07 PM
Why don't you think United will cover hormones?  I also have United, and I've been planning on them covering at least part of the cost when I start...

Well I don't know for a fact if they will or not, my doctors are still scratching their head just trying to find a specialist that can help me and I haven't been able to ask what is or isn't accepted.  But generally it has been my experience that insurance companies in the US try to cut costs by excluding as much coverage as possible and hardly anyone is going to fuss if the "->-bleeped-<- freaks" have to cover their "insanity" on their own dime. From most peoples point of view, transition is little different than a woman wanting a boob job and a for profit business would be only too happy to perpetrate a misconception that eases pressure on what they provide coverage for.
Title: Re: What is the going rate for Estrogens/anti-andro in the US?
Post by: Ms. OBrien CVT on March 15, 2013, 06:57:27 PM
Seems to me it was both, but contact your local pharmacy to verify.
Title: Re: What is the going rate for Estrogens/anti-andro in the US?
Post by: PHXGiRL on March 15, 2013, 07:11:52 PM
 I have been seeing a doctor and have a prescription its $30 
Title: Re: What is the going rate for Estrogens/anti-andro in the US?
Post by: JohnnieRamona on March 15, 2013, 09:56:12 PM
My monthly costs:

Estrofem: $8 at
Spiro: $25 a month
Progesterone: $50 a month
Title: Re: What is the going rate for Estrogens/anti-andro in the US?
Post by: Shana A on March 16, 2013, 06:46:26 AM
Many chain pharmacies such as Rite Aid, Hannaford (a supermarket in NE), etc., have prescription discount plans that you can join. They have a list of common drugs that can be purchased for a base price, such as 5 or 10 dollars per month, depending on 30 or 90 day supply. I researched online and called around locally when I got my prescription for E and S, and found that I could fill it locally at Hannaford for $23 a month. My first month before I'd done this had cost considerably more.

Shana
Title: Re: What is the going rate for Estrogens/anti-andro in the US?
Post by: Rita on March 16, 2013, 07:59:35 AM
Depends on where you go, where I see my endo I can get it from their pharmacy for $4 at most.  W/o insurance ~$50-$70 for both.

When I went to Walgreens(during the aftermath of Sandy where there were no trains into the city) they wanted to charge me over $120 for spirol alone.


@JennyGirl
If you live in the US, your going to need insurance by 2014 or start facing some pretty stiff penalties!