Lately I have been doing more thinking about the issue of health care coverage for trans people. My original post on this topic can be found here. This topic seems to be one that comes up repeatedly, and I think that it is one that deserves more attention and more analysis. Over the next few weeks or so, I am going to do more research into the issue, looking at coverages, barriers to health care access, costs of health care for transitioners, and the medical needs of the transgender community.
A few months ago, we had the Town Hall call on this topic, but I have seen little follow-up on this issue. In fact, we have seen things get worse in some respects. Recently we saw the policy changes allowing doctors to refuse treatments if it goes against their religious beliefs, and this was followed closely by the Pope’s condemnation of homosexuality and transsexual persons. Was this a coincidence? Maybe, but the timing is suspect. I wonder if this will be followed up with statements and opinions about what “good” Catholic doctors should and should not do. I grew up Catholic, and I have always held out hope that the Church will move into the 20th Century, but it seems to continue to root itself in the dark ages.
Anyway, I would like to ask for your help with this little project of mine. If anyone has any stories about health care issues such as being rejected by doctors, insurance plan issues, or any other problems related to being trans and seeking health care, please e-mail them to me. E-mail me at transgenderhealthcare@gmail.com. I would even like to hear the good stories, the improvements in coverage, etc. When sharing your stories, I will always keep your personal information confidential, but please let me know if you would prefer me not to republish your story as part of this. If you don’t want it published, I will just use the information as a reference points as I look for trends, opportunities, or discriminatory practices. Thank you to anyone willing to share their experiences. Also, if you have any good links to information you may feel is relevant, please send me that as well. I think the more information I can pull together, the better I can put together a picture of where we stand today, where we need to be, and some ideas of how we can get there.
[Editor’s Note: Cross-posted from Kathryn’s personal blog.]
Filed under: Health | Tagged: health insurance, medical insurance, transexual, Transgender, transgender healthcare, transsexual |
TRANScend GENDER 
[…] Read more: Follow-up on Transgender Access to Healthcare […]
Dear Kathryn ~
Let me know how I can be of help toward your research.
Peace, Unequivocal Equality, & Solidarity ~
Dr. Mekah Gordon, Ph.D.
Pioneering, Frontier Renaissance Woman, & Visionary
Human Rights Advocate/Activist – Educator/Consultant – Freelance Writer-TG Issues – Santa Fe Regional Editor for the Southwest LGBT Press Newspaper – Member of the NMSPC {New Mexico Suicide Prevention Coalition}, Recipient, of the prestige’s, “2007 Commitment to Care Award” from the Alliance for Gender Awareness – Full membership World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) Formerly known as the Harry Benjamin Gender Dysphoria Association (HBIGDA), Former Executive Director – Emerald City Foundation (501c3 non-profit), Division of RainbowVision Properties, Santa Fe.
Founder/CEO ~
S. U. R. E. Foundation®
SUREducation@aol.com
22 Juego Rd.
Santa Fe, NM 87508-4298
505-466-4277
*In order to achieve the same rights, without compromise, there are NO other options, than Unequivocal Equality.
~ Mekah Gordon
*The word, “Tolerance,” no matter how you bend it, twist it, or turn it inside out,”Reeks” of Discrimination.
“RESPECT,” however, eradicates implicitness for bigotry, hate, bias, & prejudice.
~Mekah Gordon
*No One on this planet, should ever have, or be granted the power, right, nor stand in judgment, of anyone’s Basic Human Civil Rights, by enforcing through Constitutional Decree, or otherwise, whom one should love, and marry, NO ONE!
~Mekah Gordon
*It’s the Tenacity, Persistence, Fortitude, & Faith, that’s perennial, in those of us, who refuse to give up, in our pursuit for Unequivocal Equality, & Basic Human Civil Rights.
~Mekah Gordon
*Transitionally Speaking: Quotes, From a Pioneering, Frontier Renaissance Woman
© 2008 Mekah Gordon, Ph.D. All Rights Reserved
The Catholic church will never change. It is the worlds worst boys club.
Something to add to your health quest is elder trans health care. I was talking with some women at a party last night about the challenges of 50 and 60 year old genetic women. Trans will add a twist to it.