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Thread: I didn't expect or want to be in this position.
I have an upcoming medically necessary transition-related surgery & my ~trans inclusive~ insurance has failed me in an unexpected way, leaving me with a need to find a way to pay the high cost. 1/9 http://gofundme.com/f/juliakayesurgery
I have an upcoming medically necessary transition-related surgery & my ~trans inclusive~ insurance has failed me in an unexpected way, leaving me with a need to find a way to pay the high cost. 1/9 http://gofundme.com/f/juliakayesurgery
My story:
3 years ago I was still afraid to admit to myself what I needed, but my therapist gently pushed me to research surgeons that would accept my insurance.
I looked into my available options and built up the courage to call. 2/9
3 years ago I was still afraid to admit to myself what I needed, but my therapist gently pushed me to research surgeons that would accept my insurance.
I looked into my available options and built up the courage to call. 2/9
There was a years-long wait ahead of me, but I saw it as a positive:
It would allow me to focus my energy on dealing with other, more immediately pressing sources of dysphoria, while I let the realities of such a major procedure sit and slowly turn over in my mind. 3/9
It would allow me to focus my energy on dealing with other, more immediately pressing sources of dysphoria, while I let the realities of such a major procedure sit and slowly turn over in my mind. 3/9
As time passed and I grew more comfortable in my own body in many ways, my need for this surgery became increasingly apparent. By now it's become an absolute medical necessity for my mental well-being. 4/9
Just recently, less than six months out from my surgery date, the surgeon's office has informed me that while my insurance covers both the surgeon and procedure itself, I'm faced with a rare complication:
Somehow, the hospital ITSELF is not covered. 5/9
Somehow, the hospital ITSELF is not covered. 5/9
That hospital is only location the surgeon works at. With the help of the surgeon's office, I've tried every avenue available to me to fix the situation, but all of them have lead to dead-ends.
Because of this, it's going to cost me $16,500 out of pocket.
$16,500. 6/9
Because of this, it's going to cost me $16,500 out of pocket.
$16,500. 6/9
That number hangs over me daily. That's how much I need to pay *with* being able to utilize my "trans inclusive" insurance for a medically-necessary procedure. Our current healthcare system beyond broken.
I thought, I hoped, I prayed this was going to be easy. 7/9
I thought, I hoped, I prayed this was going to be easy. 7/9
I never wanted to disclose any aspect of my undergoing this surgery publicly. I've already shared so much of myself and my life in pursuit of being a vocal advocate for the trans community, but this?
This I wanted to be private.
I could cry. I already have. 8/9
This I wanted to be private.
I could cry. I already have. 8/9
I'm deeply ashamed to be in this position, but I don't have any other options. If my work has ever affected, educated, or helped you in any way, please consider supporting me via gofundme.
Thank you. 9/9 http://gofundme.com/f/juliakayesurgery
Thank you. 9/9 http://gofundme.com/f/juliakayesurgery
