Insurance coverage?

[Rowan]

Hi all! I think this is kind of far fetched, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Has anyone here ever had insurance help out or cover their laser hair removal? The only reasoning I can think of would be that it's more than just cosmetic to help with gender disphoria. All of my Google searches haven't turned anything up, but I figure that if anybody knows for sure, it's someone here. Thank you!

[MarcieMarie12]

They usually don't. That may be changing, but part of the problem is that most of the technicians are not medical professionals per se and therefore would be considered cosmetic.   

[Carolyn Marie]

If you can find a doctor who will certify that it is a medical necessity, then maybe you'll have a chance with your insurance company.   I have not heard of one that considers it anything more than cosmetic.  Even the U.S. Tax Court hasn't gone that far for TG-related health care deductions.

Carolyn Marie

[Guest]

The only hair removal I've heard covered is genital hair removal for obvious reasons. But I'm curious to hear others......

[Briana]

Basically what others have said above.  There are some medications that cause unwanted hair growth as a side effect but even that's not generally covered.  Before Minoxidil (a.k.a. Rogaine) was used to pattern baldness etc., it was used to control B/P.  You have no idea how many people I took care of back then that came in as hairy as a monkey from being on it.  Seriously!  And it didn't always go away totally when the Minoxidil was stopped.  And for some, it didn't go away at all.  Imagine the poor woman that went on it and one day found hair growing out of her nose and her ears and her face and back and...and...  You get the picture.  Even then they wouldn't cover it and still don't for other meds that can cause unwanted hair growth..

Unfortunately, it's still viewed as cosmetic like many things we think are necessary, like teeth & hearing.

[Guest Markietoo]

Hello folks,

My first post in quite some time but thought I'd share some information that may prove useful.  I live in California and have medical coverage with Kaiser.  They covered the required hair removal necessary prior to my GCS last October.  Still having facial work done and they pay for that too.   The coverage includes genital hair removal via laser or electrolysis as well as facial hair removal by either laser or electrolysis, my choice.  Small co-pay of $10 a visit.  Not all Kaiser coverage is the same but based on the company/governmental agency paying for it.  After paying out of pocket for two years of facial work, they started to pay for it last year.  Saved us thousands of dollars.  No costs at all for the GCS either except for a few dollars for some meds when I was discharged from my 8 day hospital stay.  That was all, they covered everything else.  Yeah for Kaiser!  

I have two practitioners who I'd recommend to those in my general area who need quality, friendly, effective hair removal.  Send me a PM and i'll pass you their contact information.  Both accept Kaiser insurance and private payment for reasonable costs.

Markie Anna

[MarcieMarie12]

Hi Markie,

I have Kaiser too, but in Virginia. So you are right it is different, but from what my GT is telling me Kaiser is working towards just standardizing their policies and are using as CA as a template. Some of these changes are taking place in 2017.

 

[TessaLee]

My insurance specifically states that it covers Electrolysis for those diagnosed with GID. I just can't find anyone willing to submit a claim in my area. I am starting to look into how I might be reimbursed by my insurance company, but it does not look like any easy process.

[MarcieMarie12]

Ask the insurance company who they have in your area. Since many electrolysis places are not clinics/medical care providers, getting them to submit claims is pretty hard, most won't.

[Guest]

I really need to look at my insurance company and see what is and isn't covered. I don't get the pamphlets anymore so I have to call and 'get into it'. Ugh