Voice feminization surgery insurance.

[Velvette]

?Hi everybody.

I have a specific question, if you have had voice? feminization surgery what insurance did you use that cover the cost of the procedure?

I have gone down the rabbit hole of going everywhere that might have a resource list looking over plans etc etc etc so now I'm just trying to to find out what insurance you used for your voice feminization surgery.

Thank you very much

[Bri2020]

I haven't had it yet, but I was told that Kaiser does offer it if after voice therapy you haven't achieved a feminine voice. They pay for the speech therapy as well (minus $30 copays).  I started therapy but got overwhelmed so dropped it for now. Planning on resuming in the summer.  Kaiser in general covers almost all transgender procedures/care with their normal deductibles.  In California, Medi-cal Kaiser plans don't cover everything but they do cover GRS.

[Bri2020]

I'm checking with my case manager to confirmed whether it's covered.  In general- since you are in California, Kaiser is without equal in the transgender care department.  They even cover my facial electrolysis.  Will cover FFS, GRS, hormones, therapy, BA if not a B cup or larger after a year, trach shave etc etc.  If it's through an employer, they may limit the coverage offered but if you pay on your own it's fully covered.  I pay about $750/month to self insure but I'm 55. If your in your 20s or 30s it's a lot cheaper. Obama care plans won't offer the Full Coverage so check whether that's worth it.  Honestly, just getting the electrolysis done is worth 2 years of premiums for me.

[Guest]

I can confirm Kaiser’s coverage. I’m in Colorado and their coverage is excellent. I’ve only had a co-pay for a visit with my primary care provider and for my HRT meds. My Gender Therspist says they pay for almost everything.

[Velvette]

Thank you.

I went with Blue shield because Kaiser wasn't accepted at doctor Yungs office and it seems to cover everything I need and with covered California I pay a third of what normal people would pay because of my income status.

[Velvette]

Oh actually about the insurance today so I'm still figuring out what's what.

No doubt Kaiser is very good I totally agree.

[Bri2020]

I got a hold of my case manager at Kaiser for transgender treatment and she regretted to say, Voice modification surgery is the one thing they don't currently cover.  At least they cover the voice training. My limited research showed that the surgery is one of the least expensive though.  Less than $10k

 

 

[Velvette]

Hey all!

Update, I had my first pre-op visit with Dr Yung of the voice and swallowing clinic in San Francisco and the voice pathologist that works with her Kristen Bond. It was a great visit they were both very friendly they seemed very concerned with my well-being and what the goal was. They both answered all of my questions and they asked me a lot of questions. Dr Yung examined my voice box etc etc.

With my insurance the visit under a Blue shield PPO would have cost $35 if I'd waited until my insurance had kicked in but I'm impatient and paid $600.

I booked three voice pathologist appointments and one second pre-op appointment with Dr Young. I left that appointment floating on air. I also started a YouTube timeline for this whole thing.

I'm going to try and keep updating regularly with as much information as possible because I know how frustrating it can be to research where to go to get voice feminization surgery and there's a lot of information just left out. What's funny is my first YouTube video I look haggard lol so hopefully at the end of the series I'll look amazing haha!

[Velvette]

Oh I'll also have this information.

Dr Yung also does tracheal shaves if you want it done during the procedure which I find important because who would know better of what parts of the throat to stay clear of when the person doing the procedure at least that's my thoughts on it. Dr Yung also mentioned that she writes letters when the insurance is submitted stating that this is a medically necessary procedure etc etc.