Julia's Transition Surgery Fund
Donation protected
Hi, I'm Julia. I have an upcoming medically-necessary transition related surgery and 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 out of pocket.
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 found one and built up the courage to call.
There was a years-long wait list 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
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.
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. The only location the surgeon works at.
With the help of the surgeon's office, I've tried every avenue available to fix the situation, but all of them have lead to dead-ends.
Because of this, what should be a fully-covered surgery is going to cost me $16,500 out of pocket.
$16,500.
That number hangs over me daily.
That's how much I need to pay *with* being able to utilize my supposedly "trans inclusive" insurance for a medically necessary procedure. Our current healthcare system is beyond broken.
I thought, I hoped, I prayed this was going to be easy. 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? I wanted this to be private. I could cry. I already have.
I'm deeply ashamed to be in this position, but I don't have any other options. If my work has ever impacted, educated, or helped you in any way, please consider supporting me.
Thank you.
(I will not be discussing any aspect of the surgery or the surgeon past what I've stated here. Please respect my privacy in this matter.)
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 found one and built up the courage to call.
There was a years-long wait list 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
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.
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. The only location the surgeon works at.
With the help of the surgeon's office, I've tried every avenue available to fix the situation, but all of them have lead to dead-ends.
Because of this, what should be a fully-covered surgery is going to cost me $16,500 out of pocket.
$16,500.
That number hangs over me daily.
That's how much I need to pay *with* being able to utilize my supposedly "trans inclusive" insurance for a medically necessary procedure. Our current healthcare system is beyond broken.
I thought, I hoped, I prayed this was going to be easy. 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? I wanted this to be private. I could cry. I already have.
I'm deeply ashamed to be in this position, but I don't have any other options. If my work has ever impacted, educated, or helped you in any way, please consider supporting me.
Thank you.
(I will not be discussing any aspect of the surgery or the surgeon past what I've stated here. Please respect my privacy in this matter.)
Organizer
Julia Kaye
Organizer
Los Angeles, CA