Challenges of the Trans Community: Insurance

At Apicha CHC we believe that everyone should receive equal rights, and that extends to insurance coverage as well, which can be a challenge for the trans community. Ongoing challenges of the trans community include having a hard time affording the surgeries and treatments required for transitioning.

This post is part of an ongoing series that examines the challenges of the trans community. For a previous post, go here.

According to thinkprogress.org, 19% of transgender people lack any health insurance and only 51% were able to obtain employer-based coverage, versus 17% and 58% of the general population.

Progress in Challenges of the Trans Community & Insurance

Things are slowly changing for the better when it comes to transgender individuals receiving health insurance. Last year the US Department of Health and Human Services ruled that transgender people could no longer be automatically denied coverage for sex reassignment surgeries under Medicare.

And last December New York State governor Andrew Cuomo sent a letter to insurance companies. The letter stated that because the coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders requires insurance coverage by state law, then those individuals who suffer from gender dysphoria should be covered as well.

New York State became the ninth state to require the coverage, after California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington.

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) website has a list of insurance carriers that can provide plans without blanket exclusions for transgender-related primary healthcare here.

Have questions about trans health? Request an appointment

Apicha CHC Trans Health Clinic

Every second and fourth Tuesday of the month, Apicha CHC offers a Trans Orientation Sessions for trans folk to come in and learn about Apicha CHC’s Trans Health Clinic.

This clinic is for the specific needs of transgender and gender non-conforming, gender variant, and genderqueer individuals.

Our Trans Health services include:

• Personalized Primary Medical Care
• Routine Check-Up and Immunizations
• Initiation and Maintenance of Hormone Therapy
• Short-Term Mental Health Services
• Care Management
• Trans Groups

Please feel free to request an appointment or stop by a Trans Orientation Session to learn more about trans health and Apicha CHC's Trans Health Clinic.