Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Transsexual talk => Topic started by: Joseph on May 28, 2009, 10:09:44 AM

Title: Insurance while unemployed
Post by: Joseph on May 28, 2009, 10:09:44 AM
Hi all,

  As I've been considering my different options I realized I have no idea how to go about getting health insurance during the initial transition period.  I've always had insurance through school or work.  But if I transition, I would probably choose not to work or be in school - at least for awhile (6 months?) until a name change has gone through and T has had some effect.  I imagine others have gone through similar situations and I'd be interested to hear what you did about insurance during that time (if anything).  I imagine initially applying for insurance under one name/gender and then keeping that insurance in a new name/gender would not be simple.  Just having a regular doctor to go to for checkups is something I've always taken for granted and I'd definitely want to be able to do that, say, in my first few months on T, or when I get top surgery.

Thanks for any thoughts/help you can provide.

Joseph
Title: Re: Insurance while unemployed
Post by: Flan on May 28, 2009, 10:22:08 AM
I got state sponsored health insurance (with medica as the insurance provider) a couple months ago to help with the costs of medical expenses and therapy. (and yes, I'm also jobless/non-student atm until after surgery by choice)

The coverage isn't all that great, but it beats paying out of pocket, or for individual health/dental insurance. The catch being it doesn't look like it is available in many states, (in the US) and while medicare beats nothing, I'm not sure if I could get what care I need with that.

(ps: expect to wait a month from application, to getting a card in the mail)
Title: Re: Insurance while unemployed
Post by: Mister on May 28, 2009, 10:29:37 AM
where do you live?
Title: Re: Insurance while unemployed
Post by: sneakersjay on June 01, 2009, 08:01:41 PM
Switching name and gender on my existing health insurance was a non-issue.  I get it through work.  But then I've had a hysto so that wasn't an issue for me, but may be for some guys.


Jay