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First off, congratulations on taking the first steps towards transition! It can be a challenge (as it seems you have already found), though so can living in the wrong body for 19 years, so I’m sure once you get the ball rolling you’re totally going to kick ass. Based on your question and how you identified I’m going to assume that you’re M2F and have not begun the process, so I apologize if I’m wrong — but for the most part the steps will be the same.Here’s my TLDR answer — go to this website and use their search engine:Database of Medical ProvidersIf you’d like more detailed advice, read on. Sorry, I tend to be thorough.I’ll first talk about the process of finding access to the medical/clinical care, then on to the emotional.untilStep #1 — You will start with hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Hormones will do most of the work as far as transition goes, and people will often put the actual surgery off for a while or even completely because they’re satisfied with their ability to pass while on HRT, not to mention in comparison hormones are pretty affordable (you’re in the right place — in 2014 the state insurance commissioner mandated that all health care insurers in Washington must cover transgender care). HRT management will involve regular visits to the doctor for blood work and monitoring levels, so selecting the right person to do this for you will be important.HRT can be technically be prescribed by any physician, but not all docs are comfortable with it. Bias is probably not a huge issue in Seattle, but discomfort doesn’t necessarily mean they’re biased, it may just mean they don’t feel educated enough on the matter to meet your needs. You will definitely want to find someone that has experience prescribing and managing HRT, especially because they will be able to consult with an endocrinologist on your behalf, they will be knowledgeable on resources for trans people, and they can refer you to other specialists when or if you do decide to move on to surgical stuff.Ideally, the doc you choose works in a clinic specifically geared towards trans care. Database of Medical Providers can offer a list, but here are some suggestions of docs that specifically focus or have knowledge of trans care:Dr. Kevin Hatfield at The Polyclinic Downtown leads a team of specialists in this area. Their website says he’s not currently accepting patients, but you could still call them and ask who else they would suggest. Polyclinic accepts Aetna.Dr. Linda Gromko at Queen Anne Medical Associates (Transgender Care page on their website) accepts Aetna.Peter Shalit MD, Paul Algeo PharmD PA-C, General Internal MedicineNow when I say “accepts Aetna”, that doesn’t necessarily mean it will be covered by your individual insurance plan — see step #2.Step #2 — Call Aetna, have your insurance card ready, and either ask them about coverage for the specific providers you’re interested in, or ask them for a referral to an in-network general physician (this can be family medicine, internal medicine, etc.) that has experience with trans care and HRT. That second option may be hit-or-miss, because the representatives may not know what to do with that or that it’s even something doctors might specialize in. I have Regence so I can’t promise what Aetna will do, but when I called looking for a therapist in my area they asked about any specific needs or areas of focus, then sent me an email with an organized list of in-network practitioners that deal with ADHD and anxiety, their addresses and phone numbers, etc. Docs do list these areas of focus and transgender care will be included on their profiles, but whether the customer service people know that or not is questionable, so coming to them already having found some people will save a lot of time, as well as an awkward conversation. What you’re aiming for is a physician that will only require a small copay (out-of-pocket price per visit, mine is $30). You will still need to ask about coverage of HRT, because that cost is separate from the cost you pay to see the doc.Something to keep in mind (and ask them about) is your deductible, which is the amount of money you have to pay out-of-pocket (such as copay) for your medical expenses before the insurance company starts picking up the bill. The cost of surgery and specialists visit will probably be high enough that may actually pay enough of your own money to meet your deductible and can then expect them to cover what remains, but this isn’t likely during the first year — if your deductible is high enough, you may not reach that point by the time a new year rolls around, even with HRT costs and the cost of doc visits. This is something to consider when thinking about the financial commitment you’ll make, but additionally in some cases it may mean that finding a provider that is in your network doesn’t really matter. For example, my online account with Regence (you should sign up for one on Aetna’s website — even though it doesn’t really provide the information that a representative can, it still provides quick access to info about your policy) allows me to search for providers, find out if they’re in-network or not, and see what my estimated visit cost would be. I found that the therapists they had suggested were about the same cost per visit or sometimes much more expensive than the out-of-network therapists. That is because my policy doesn’t cover therapy, so sticking to their rules doesn’t benefit me. Knowing this may allow you to find providers that are more affordable, but that Aetna did not suggest. The one thing you lose in that case is the fact that the amount you’re paying them is not recognized as going toward meeting your deductible, but in my case I wasn’t going to meet it anyways, so ultimately it made more sense to pay less out-of-pocket.Step #3 — The next step, if you choose, is surgery. Things start to get more complicated here, as there are many separate elements of surgical transition, requiring a slew of different specialists.If you have already established care with an experienced physician, this should be pretty easy, as they will either be part of a pre-existing medical team or will know where to refer you. I definitely would not suggest seeing a specialist without already having a doc that’s managing your HRT, because it would either be insanely expensive, a waste of your time, or both.Some insurance companies and/or policies require you to have a referral from your doctor in order to see a certain specialist, and they will then send a “prior authorization” request to Aetna, which is basically a bullshit bureaucratic requirement where some idiot at the company with no medical knowledge decides whether he agrees with your doctor’s referral or not. It’s really just an attempt on their part to find providers that, qualified or not, won’t cost them as much. You may be able to avoid this frustration by asking your doctor to give you a list of the specialties you will be seen by, then repeating step #2 and asking them to provide names of covered providers in each specialty. You can then bring this list to your doctor, and have them suggest providers from the list that they know and trust. Depending on the policy, some specialty areas aren’t covered regardless, so you may be better off sticking to the ones your doctor already works with, because your care will be much more coordinated that way, however…Cost and insurance coverage deserves another bullet point. Unlike when I said to blow off their in-network rules when they’re probably not going to end up helping you at all with costs anyways, things change when you start talking about expensive specialists and procedures — now there is a greater chance they will end up having to pay, which is why all the hullabaloo with referrals and prior authorizations. There is a greater chance your expenses will rack up to the point of meeting your deductible, or that you will meet your out-of-pocket maximum, another situation where they are forced to foot the remaining cost. Seeing an in-network provider may initially be as pricey as one out-of-network, but you can at least laugh menacingly to yourself with each visit, knowing that you’re inching closer and closer to being able to slap them with the bill.According to their website (here Gender Reassignment Surgery), Aetna considers gender reassignment surgery a medical need, not a cosmetic procedure, as it was once treated. I didn’t have much time to read that page, but that will definitely mean significantly lower costs because they won’t pay a dime for cosmetic procedures.Okay, on to the emotional needs. The aforementioned steps generally apply here as well, but I’ll do the quickie (sort of) version:Step #1 — Do research.If you’re not familiar with the the differences between social workers, therapists, psychologists, and licensed mental health counselors, I suggest you read about them so you know what you’re looking for. You’re not looking for a psychiatrist, because even though they may do some therapy, their primary job is prescribing medications for mental health issues. It would also be worth your time to research different styles of therapy as well (read Different approaches to psychotherapy), because mental health practitioners will use one or a mix of these styles, and some may not sound so great to you.Step #2 — Use search engines, like Database of Medical Providers or one accessed through your Aetna online account, to find a therapist you think might be right for you.Keep in mind that they don’t necessarily need to specialize in trans issues, because ultimately emotions are emotions, and therapy techniques will be the same for problems ranging from OCD to bipolar disorder. But if it is important for you to feel like they know exactly what the fuck you’re going through, make it a priority. Sometimes seeing gender dysphoria (I think that’s what they’re calling it now) or LGBTQ under their list of expertise can provide a guarantee of some comfort and understanding, and since you often don’t get straight to the down-and-dirty emotions until you’ve established a relationship and instead spend the first many visits just venting about the process, having someone that can say more about it than just “how does that make you feeeel?” and won’t need you to educate them on the subject might ensure a stronger connection, which matters a lot in making therapy worth your time.Here are some mental health providers offering therapy or counseling, with expertise in LGBTQ or trans-specific concerns:Home - Seattle Counseling Servicehttp://seattletherapyalliance.com/ - Seattle Therapy Alliance - note the stuff you learned about differences between types of mental health practitioners and their level of education/training — this place is more affordable because many of them are working there to complete final steps toward a degree. Nothing wrong with that, but I personally want someone who has hundreds of hours worth of work with the issues I’m experiencing.Seattle Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Counseling ServicesJennifer Creson Counseling | Seattle, WA - expert in work with individuals in the process of transition. If she’s accepting patients, she would be a valuable consideration.Step #3 — Call Aetna and find out what your policy covers. If you already know names of providers you are interested in, ask if they are in-network, then decide whether it even matters, based on what policy covers. As I stated before, there is a chance that you will end up paying less for someone out-of-network.Step #4 — Before making your decision, compare visit costs between providers, which will be stated on their website, or they will share this with you if you contact them.If visit costs for all providers is going to be too expensive for you to pay out-of-pocket, there are other options for receiving sliding scale or sometimes free counseling. Check their websites for mention of reduced fee opportunities. Free services are usually only offered by government or private organizations and are meant for people in crisis, for instance following a sexual assault, or for people who suffer prolonged and significant trauma. If you can pay something, try to avoid going this route as it won’t be a sustainable option.Step #5 — Contact the provider to make an appointment. They may have you complete some forms, then you’ll have an intake appointment, which is longer than your regular visits will be, and it’s meant to be an opportunity for you to feel out whether you connect with them. Therapists aren’t money hungry. It’s a waste of both your time and theirs if you end up dropping them after 3 visits because you didn’t like them; they want you to be sure this is a relationship you’re willing to put some commitment toward. That doesn’t mean things won’t change and maybe you will change your mind later, which is okay and understandable — but really my point is that you should self-advocate and not settle for the first provider you find, because there are tons out there and many people have to try out 3–4 therapists before finding the right one for them.Step #6 — Keep in mind that a mental health provider is not an adequate substitute for a strong support system. Your relationship with them will at times feel intimate, but at no point does this become a friendship — that is strictly against their practices. Furthermore, the most often you will meet with them is weekly, but more likely it will be bi-weekly, and you need people you can lean on in the interim. If your friends and family are on board and you think they will be able to be there for you when you need it, that’s great. But it’s also nice to find others that understand what you’re going through. Within these groups, you will find friends that you can call at 2 a.m. when your HRT is making you overly emotional, or that can make you feel less isolated when no one knows what you’re going through.Here are links to some support and social groups for trans, genderqueer, etc. etc. individuals:The Emerald City Social ClubWelcome to Ingersoll Gender CenterWashington Gender AllianceTransitioning Guidelines

It entirely depends on your financial resources and how much restriction you want to have.A Medicare supplement has a premium payment every month. It pays for the 20% that Medicare parts A & B do not cover. It does not pay for your annual deductible, nor does it pay for expenses that Medicare does not pay for or denies coverage for.However, you continue to have free choice of your medical providers…anyone who accept Medicare payment.An advantage plan is essentially an HMO sold by an insurance company (ex: Humana, United, Aetna, Blue Cross, etc.). You “sell” your Medicare benefit to an insurance company of your choice, with a plan of your choice and your will have your Medicare Part A & B expenses covered, as well as your Part D (pharmacy) costs covered.You may also receive additional benefits not covered by traditional Medicare such as dental, vision, hearing aid coverage, gym memberships, and other perks. If these are important to you, pick an Advantage Plan.However, you are now limited to medical providers who accept your plan. If you like “Dr. Jones” but he does not accept your chosen “Pretty Good Advantage Plan” you will have to change providers.Do you like your current medical providers? Then either stay with traditional Medicare or e sure that your choose an HMO/Medicare Advantage plan that they do accept.The other thing to consider is that with an Advantage Plan, everything must be pre-authorized. Your Primary Care Provider (PCP) is the gatekeeper for all referrals. DO you need a cardiac specialist? Your PCP must refer you in the network of cardiologists who accept your plan.Do you need home health care? Your plan will only authorize a few initial visits and then the nurse or physical therapist must request further visits. These typically are doled out very few at a time and there may be copays associated with receiving this service.When my husband and I went on Medicare earlier this year, we found that paying the premiums for Part B, choosing a Plan to cover pharmacy costs (Part D) and its associated premium, and a Medicare supplement, plus a plan for dental and vision was projected to be less expensive than an Advantage plan, and less expensive than my former employer group health plan. Being in the healthcare profession, I loathe HMO’s since their inception back in the 80’s and refuse to e limited to a silo of unknown providers. Thankfully, we have sufficient resources so that we are not obligated to sell our benefits to an HMO in an attempt to contain costs.

Try this site where you can find the best solutions for all your personal financial needs://personalfinancesolutions.info/index.html?src=compare//RELATED“I need health insurance but can’t afford it, please help.?”I am a 22 year old female, I work full time at a minimum wage job that does not offer benefits. I am a diagnosed bipolar and need medication for it that I can’t afford without insurance. I also need health insurance because I need to pay for therapy, medicine for over active bladder, acid reflux, insomnia, and muscle injury. I have a lot going on and need to know if there is any way I can get cheaper insurance. Please help me.”“Out of a mini one, mini cooper, fiat 500 and Rav-4 ?Ok so this is my first car and these are all the cars I like and can get. So could someone plz tell me which is cheaper insurance for a 17 yr old girl and which is cheaper on petrol? Thank you xoxWhat is car insurance premium tax?My car insurance renewal notice is comprised of the insurance itself (540.00), car hire (28.25), credit charge (48.30), and Insurance Premium Tax (34.10), giving a total of 650.65. Is the insurance premium tax some type of scam to get me to pay extra or is it a government tax, like VAT (I thought VAT would be included in the 540.00)?”Nippy car cheap to tax and insurance good on fuel!?I have recently purchased a corsa 1.4 2008 and its very slow i used to have the corsa c 1.2 and it was quite nippy! I have been looking at an astra 1.9 sri cdti 120. insurance is a bit high! but i have seen a focus 1.8 zetec and a fiesta 1.6 zetec i have a max budget of 8000 thats with selling my car and money on topAdvice for health insurance please? (community college student with low-paying part-time job)?I haven’t had health insurance since I turned 18 and no longer qualified for my family’s health insurance plan. I wasn’t really concerned at the time, but now that its been a few years (I am almost 21 now), I am in need of dental care. My problem is that I don’t know what my health insurance options currently are. I am a college student, although my community college does not offer any health plans for students. I do have a part time job at a daycare that offers health insurance, however its price is far too high for my income. The insurance company is Aetna, and would cost me $16.92 for the lowest medical option, plus $4.61 for dental. So that would cost me $21.53 weekly, which doesn’t sound too bad, except I only earn about $120 every two weeks….reducing my paychecks to about only $76 every two weeks….which just isn’t enough for me to live on considering that I pay for my own food and everything else needed. So…. does anyone know of health insurance companies that have options for community college students like me? I know state insurance may be an option, but I have a feeling I don’t qualify for that since I’m not legally an independent, yet I can’t afford to move out and become independent. See the nasty cycle now? lol. And no, earning more money and finding a better paying job is not an option for me at this time. I can’t transfer to a college that does offer health insurance for another two years either.. If anyone can give me advice, I’d be very grateful. Thank you in advance =)”Do I need SR22 insurance after a DWI 1st offense if my license is not suspended in the state of Louisiana?About a year ago, I received my first DWI. I plead guilty under Article 894, and then about 3–4 months later, I contacted the DMV here in Louisiana, and they stated my license has not been suspended, and never was. Now, I am trying to get insurance on my truck I just bought, and the insurance company is telling me i have to get SR22 insurance. I thought SR22 insurance was needed when either your license was suspended previously, or you were forced to get a hardship license? I have never had to do either, and I don’t understand why they are requesting me to get the SR22 insurance. The rates are already high enough with the DWI on my record, and the SR22 will be adding a good bit more. Just curious if someone can explain this to me about Louisiana and insurance which is required of me. I do still have a valid Class A CDL, not suspended, and never had to get a hardship license.”Do you have health insurance?if so, how much is it per month? How old are you? what kind of deuctable do you have? feel free to answer also if you do not have insurance.”Why should the average family carry umbrella insurance?Does anyone out there know anyone that actually NEEDED to cash in on their umbrella policy? What were the circumstances of the incident? I’m wondering if our family should carry it because we have a teenager getting a driver’s learner’s permit… Please, only serious, informative replies.”Car insurance Premium?(I have only had car insurance for about 6 months, so I am still pretty new to this). My question was that my 6 month renewal policy states that my premium is $728.86; however, when I first got with this company, I paid around $368 down because I am in that age bracket where they stereotype you as a bad driver. Will I have to pay the $368 again along with monthly payments of $66.60? Or will I just continue to pay my monthly payment as it is?”If someone threw rocks at your car and insurance paid for it would your rates go up?Trying to put vandalism in the insurance line of Nature > Your fault. If anybody wonders nobody threw rocks at me..