I actually figured that the coverage for gender affirming care is one of the least awful things about UHC. That said I guess I’m not surprised about it initially not being covered.
Edit: actually hold on, my benefits guide definitely used to say something about them paying for travel to a safe state for care and even some hotel nights being covered, but I don’t see that anymore…
I actually figured that the coverage for gender affirming care is one of the least awful things about UHC.
Only if they actually cover it. If they send you through a pinball machine of denials and rejections, its just a new way of tormenting trans people.
Edit: actually hold on, my benefits guide definitely used to say something about them paying for travel to a safe state for care and even some hotel nights being covered, but I don’t see that anymore…
Red States have been tightening the noose on pregnant women, both explicitly and implicitly. So its likely the UHC folks chickened out and pulled the language for fear of provoking a state AG in Texas, Missouri, or Florida.
Testosterone is also prescribed for actual medical conditions - such as someone losing a testicle from cancer and thus requiring a testosterone boost to maintain regular hormone levels.
Edit: leaving the original text but clarifying: I should have used the words physiological conditions instead of medical conditions. There are physiological reasons why someone would need testosterone, as I mentioned in a reply: testicular cancer resulting in the loss of a testicle, hormonal imbalances resulting in reduced production in testosterone, and more.
I won’t offer my personal opinion as I’m not trans and it isn’t really my place to weigh in but there is an ongoing discussion in the trans community for/against the medicalization of trans identities. Philosophy Tube made a great video that touches on it a while ago
Not to detract from your point, but gender dysphoria is a medical condition. The brain undergoes sex differentiation in utero, and the rest of the body usually but doesn’t always match this.
Testosterone is also prescribed for actualother medical conditions - such as someone losing a testicle from cancer and thus requiring a testosterone boost to maintain regular hormone levels.
If I recall correctly, some companies can also add additional benefits that are paid for by the employer but administered through the insurance company. I don’t know if that might be what happened here.
I actually figured that the coverage for gender affirming care is one of the least awful things about UHC. That said I guess I’m not surprised about it initially not being covered.
Edit: actually hold on, my benefits guide definitely used to say something about them paying for travel to a safe state for care and even some hotel nights being covered, but I don’t see that anymore…
Only if they actually cover it. If they send you through a pinball machine of denials and rejections, its just a new way of tormenting trans people.
Red States have been tightening the noose on pregnant women, both explicitly and implicitly. So its likely the UHC folks chickened out and pulled the language for fear of provoking a state AG in Texas, Missouri, or Florida.
Testosterone is also prescribed for actual medical conditions - such as someone losing a testicle from cancer and thus requiring a testosterone boost to maintain regular hormone levels.
Edit: leaving the original text but clarifying: I should have used the words physiological conditions instead of medical conditions. There are physiological reasons why someone would need testosterone, as I mentioned in a reply: testicular cancer resulting in the loss of a testicle, hormonal imbalances resulting in reduced production in testosterone, and more.
“actual medical conditions” I see you
I mean as far as the body not working correctly - not to downplay elective gender treatments.
Low testosterone in anybody is not a fun time.
I won’t offer my personal opinion as I’m not trans and it isn’t really my place to weigh in but there is an ongoing discussion in the trans community for/against the medicalization of trans identities. Philosophy Tube made a great video that touches on it a while ago
I just read conditions with scare quotes — pretty sure not anti-gender-affirming, if you’re being serious.
Not to detract from your point, but gender dysphoria is a medical condition. The brain undergoes sex differentiation in utero, and the rest of the body usually but doesn’t always match this.
Yeah, good point.
FTFY
If I recall correctly, some companies can also add additional benefits that are paid for by the employer but administered through the insurance company. I don’t know if that might be what happened here.