Ask a trans person!

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by TCB

Are you happy with the results from Dr. V? If he is in Newport beach, that would be ideal for me. I'm still trying to figure out how to raise funds for my surgery. It's getting to a point, where I don't care what I need to do to make this happen.
I have Kaiser insurance, but I'm pretty sure they won't cover squat. I've asked my Endo about it, and he pretty much confirmed that.

I believe that Aetna continues to be the only insurance that will cover male reconstructive top surgery, however, you can call your insurance directly, and ask.

You may find a doctor who is willing to adjust the ICD-9 code (medical/billing code) to breast reduction, but you would have to meet the criteria for a medically needed breast reduction, which is based on a number of things, including measurements of indentations in your shoulders from bra straps, a documented history of back problems due to chest size, etc.

(In regards to the above, I have not heard of any surgeons that fudge the ICD-9 code, but it would not surprise me if there were some surgeons out there who would be willing to do this due their empathy around transpeople's issues).

[The Oopster]

One never knows what insurance will covers. If you can somehow show a medical necessity one never knows what will happen.

The doctor who handles my testosterone told me that he got an mtf's bottom surgery covered. Something was off with her prostrate and they contacted her insurance and asked rather then putting her on meds would they cover surgery to have the testicals removed and they did.

[TCB]

Originally Posted by DapperButch

I believe that Aetna continues to be the only insurance that will cover male reconstructive top surgery, however, you can call your insurance directly, and ask.

You may find a doctor who is willing to adjust the ICD-9 code (medical/billing code) to breast reduction, but you would have to meet the criteria for a medically needed breast reduction, which is based on a number of things, including measurements of indentations in your shoulders from bra straps, a documented history of back problems due to chest size, etc.

(In regards to the above, I have not heard of any surgeons that fudge the ICD-9 code, but it would not surprise me if there were some surgeons out there who would be willing to do this due their empathy around transpeople's issues).

Originally Posted by The Oopster

One never knows what insurance will covers. If you can somehow show a medical necessity one never knows what will happen.

The doctor who handles my testosterone told me that he got an mtf's bottom surgery covered. Something was off with her prostrate and they contacted her insurance and asked rather then putting her on meds would they cover surgery to have the testicals removed and they did.

This is all very true. I asked my endo though, and he was very quick to respond that Kaiser will not cover it. He didn't exactly suggest attempting to work around it either. He basically told me there are two companies you can go work for that will cover it (I can't remember now which ones).
To my knowledge, I don't believe I have medical reasons for him to try and slip it through the cracks.....unfortunately (as bad as that it to say). I'm grateful for my health.

[The Oopster]

Originally Posted by TCB

This is all very true. I asked my endo though, and he was very quick to respond that Kaiser will not cover it. He didn't exactly suggest attempting to work around it either. He basically told me there are two companies you can go work for that will cover it (I can't remember now which ones).
To my knowledge, I don't believe I have medical reasons for him to try and slip it through the cracks.....unfortunately (as bad as that it to say). I'm grateful for my health.

Look at this:

http://www.uclgbtia.org/transhealthupdate.html

[Corkey]

http://otrans.3cdn.net/fa908f9f867b4537a1_ihm6iipnp.pdf

Guys this is Medicare, this will apply to all of you sooner or later. We need to change how Medicare is effecting our community.

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by The Oopster

Look at this:

http://www.uclgbtia.org/transhealthupdate.html

Thanks for posting!

[TCB]

Thanks for that link Koop. I'm not really sure how to read into that, but I think when I see my Doctor next week, I'm going to touch on the subject again and see if he's interested in looking into it. It's worth a shot!

Off topic:

I need to get my passport by mid July. I know there are expediting services but here's my dilemma...wondering if anybody knows the answer to this:

My new name has been legally changed on my drivers license (including my gender marker on ID) and SS. However, my birth certificate has NOT been changed (name and gender). Will they be able to issue me a passport due to this discrepancy?
I called the post office and asked them. One person told me they can put it through assuming I have my court ordered name change forms (which I do).
But I hate to go on one post office attendants word.
Anyone have any knowledge or experience with this?

[Thinker]

Originally Posted by TCB

Thanks for that link Koop. I'm not really sure how to read into that, but I think when I see my Doctor next week, I'm going to touch on the subject again and see if he's interested in looking into it. It's worth a shot!

Off topic:

I need to get my passport by mid July. I know there are expediting services but here's my dilemma...wondering if anybody knows the answer to this:

My new name has been legally changed on my drivers license (including my gender marker on ID) and SS. However, my birth certificate has NOT been changed (name and gender). Will they be able to issue me a passport due to this discrepancy?
I called the post office and asked them. One person told me they can put it through assuming I have my court ordered name change forms (which I do).
But I hate to go on one post office attendants word.
Anyone have any knowledge or experience with this?

When I went to get my updated passport, I turned in my old passport which had my former legal name and sex designation. I submitted a certified copy of the court order for the name change and the doctor's letter for the sex designation. (I also showed my state ID which had already been updated with both.)

Based on that, my assumption is that the name change will not be an issue; and you will need the doctor's letter for the change of sex.

If this is your first passport, you will need to submit your birth certificate. Your court order for name change will trump the name on the birth certificate, however.

Does that make sense?

[TCB]

Originally Posted by The Oopster

Look at this:

http://www.uclgbtia.org/transhealthupdate.html

Now that I think about it, I recall my Doc saying I would have to work for a UC to be eligible. I don't.

[The Oopster]

http://travel.state.gov/passport/npic/npic_898.html

maybe try calling them?

[TCB]

Originally Posted by The Oopster

http://travel.state.gov/passport/npic/npic_898.html

maybe try calling them?

Well I'm going to have to tomorrow. I was just curious if anybody knew off hand.