Need Help With Insurance

[Guest Janessa]

Does anyone know if HealthLink covers HRT? Probably no point asking considering how unlikely it is insurance will cover HRT, but hopefully I'll luck out and it'll turn out it does. =|

However, assuming my insurance will not pay for HRT, how did you guys get insurance to pay for hormones? I've been planning on calling them to ask about this, but I've seen multiple people say it is a bad idea to ask them if they cover hormones for a transgender person. Since it is a bad idea to directly ask, what would be a better alternative to find out this information? Tried their website already and could not find anything about HRT.

I did read some people got their doctor to write that it is a hormonal imbalance, but are most doctors willing to write down that the hormones are for this reason? And if they are not willing to write that what should I do? Would I need to switch doctors or is there an alternative to asking the doctor to do this? =\

Sorry for all the questions, really wanting to start HRT as soon as possible. XD

[Guest ChalenAustin]

I'm no expert but I'll try to shed some light about my take on this mighty problem.

Some insurance compaines do cover HRT.

You would have to do research on which ones.

Asking other trans people what insurance they have and who covers what and to what extent would be a good start.

I came across a site on my old computer that mentioned some companies who covered HRT and SRS and who was considering or just dropped it.

I know insurance sometimes cover ftm HRT so I know that some cover it for mtf's.

You may already know this but a therapist must ok you to use hormones before you can go to a doctor.

Any place that does things different is kinda a red flag (good doctors won't let you have srs unless a therapist [or two] oked that and oked your hormones).

Having said that your therapist would recommend you to a doctor experienced in writing perscriptions and treating transpeople specifically.

I think insurance will find out no matter who put down what, but that's just me personally.

If you got a good therapist who points you to a good endoctrinologist (you know what I mean!) than I wouldn't worry about how they preasent the order for the HRT so much.

All the more reason to do things the right way and with people you can trust to not cut any corners.

(besides, let's say your doc said it was for an entirely different reason you need HRT. When you call the insurance company up to change your name and what not I think they'd know.)

Don't wory about.

Ask a few therapists and find out how they're paitents are dealing with it.

Or ask afew specific "hormone doctors" (they do exist!) if they have any trans paitents and if they'd encountered any problems with their insurance or if there's an accepting one you can consider switching to now.

Hope this helps somewhat.

It's a tough thing to get information on but if you poke your nose around you'll get the answers you want.

Reputable gender therapists can help alot in this situation.

[Guest Janessa]

I found this link when searching for information. http://www.healthlink.com/provider/medpoli...nt_surgery.html

Does this mean HealthLink does help pay for HRT?

[Guest Donna Jean]

Wow!

Honey, that reads to me like they would cover SRS! That is hitting the jackpot!

But, I didn't see anything about HRT unless I missed it...

But, listen...

Even plans that cover HRT require a small "co-pay" when going to a doctor's office or getting a prescription filled..

So, the Wal Mart plan has most of the things that we take for $4 each ....$8-&12 a month!

But, first of all you must have a letter from your therapist to get hormones in any case...

Are you anywhere near getting that?

Just wondering.....

Donna Jean

[Guest Janessa]

My therapist said she would write a letter if the doctor calls her, so I think that means yes. =x Starting to wonder if she knows what she is doing though... she refuses to call me Janessa and thinks it is unlikely the doctor would ask for a letter, which is why she wants the doctor to call her. >.<

I do hope it will cover HRT though. Don't think I read anywhere about it specifically stating that it covers HRT, and the date said 2006 - 2007. =\