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Help a trans woman finalize her 1st FFS
Donation protected
After moving cross-country to California, I landed in an emergency transgender homeless shelter in Los Angeles. I'm currently trying to get myself covered under Medi-Cal. Brow ptosis (CPT 67900) is considered reconstructive and medically necessary only with the following criteria:
Other causes have been eliminated as the primary cause for the Visual Field obstruction (e.g., Botox® treatments within the
past six (6) months); and
The member must have a functional complaint related to brow ptosis.
Since I came from the Vanderbilt Transgender Clinic where doctors didn't believe I was transgender, I'm having to fight the Medi-Cal boards for brow ptosis. My browline has caused me massive amounts of gender dysphoria. Personally, I'd like to start paying out-of-pocket and not deal with denials.
A little bit about myself: I have sought employment at places with trans-affirming health insurance. However, this has not worked well for me. Unfortunately, maintaining long-term employment is very difficult for me: I live with PTSD and anxiety from a past violent sexual assault, as well as past experiences of instability with my living situation, discrimination by health care providers, and discrimination by employers. For most of my gender transition, I’ve been afraid of venturing outside of the house. My PTSD-related paranoia had rendered me unable to interact with people in a social setting.
Today, I have a strong support network of therapists, friends, and community. I am proud of the progress I've made with public speaking and sharing my story through a local entrepreneur group, which has allowed me to try stand-up comedy. I'm hopeful that after having FFS, I'll have the confidence to continue opening up with others, giving presentations, and becoming a leader in my community.
Anything is appreciated!
Organizer
Winter Breedlove
Organizer
Franklin, TN