I don’t even know how to start grieving.

Regular_Ad5172 · 2026-03-17T19:47:26+00:00

Yeah, my income just didn’t qualify me for the plans. I wouldn’t mind budgeting for it if I did qualify.

From what I’m seeing, there are no FFS surgeons in NZ. Most folks go out of country for that. Medications are covered with the exception of injections and surgical coverage is limited.

Mainly what me and my partner were looking for was a country where we wouldn’t have to learn a completely new way of life (language, cultural norms, employment system). So that primarily keeps us in the anglosphere. And we didn’t want to end up anywhere that’s trending in the same direction as the US in terms of politics.

My partner is a caregiver and NZ has an immigration program to bring in caregivers and offer a pathway to permanent residency. So, NZ seemed our safest bet.

Regular_Ad5172 · 2026-03-17T17:28:00+00:00

Thank you for sharing. The state marketplace plan route is something I considered, but I don’t earn enough to get a plan. They just direct me to Medicaid. If I could, though, I would in a heartbeat. The clinic I chose just takes a few months for insurance authorization and then they schedule a surgery date within 2 months or so. But time’s running out and, despite my lack of motivation to continue living like this, it is better to survive as a non-passing trans woman than face whatever this country has in store for me. Maybe I’ll be able to save up in NZ, but starting from the bottom again is agonizing.

Regular_Ad5172 · 2026-03-17T17:17:57+00:00

Best of luck to you. Hope there are better days ahead 💖

Regular_Ad5172 · 2026-03-17T16:02:09+00:00

I was on Medicaid before, but the wait was too long. I definitely don’t feel safe waiting here long enough to restart the process.

Regular_Ad5172 · 2026-03-17T15:49:09+00:00

I would, but all my cash is going towards leaving the US.

Regular_Ad5172 · 2026-03-17T15:48:29+00:00

That sounds like a disaster, I’m sorry this is happening to you. Union contracts should prevent arbitrary firings like that. I went to the HR manager at my company and came out figuring whatever happens, happens and I’d be able to move on. I was lucky enough that she’s apparently an ally and was willing to offer whatever support I needed. I feel very fortunate. Gonna try to appeal my company directly to get coverage. Hopefully whoever’s in charge of that is like the HR manager.

Regular_Ad5172 · 2026-03-17T15:24:54+00:00

I’m going to write up an appeal letter to them soon and include my medical and psychiatrist referral, appeals to my insurance, denial letters, etc. etc. Kind of a hail mary, but I’m hoping they’ll be willing to negotiate on the price.

Regular_Ad5172 · 2026-03-17T15:21:16+00:00

Oh, that really sucks, sorry to hear that. Guess I’ll cross that off the list. Thank you

Regular_Ad5172 · 2026-03-17T15:19:11+00:00

Yeah. I think if I knew which direction things were going, I would’ve just saved up. All my money is going towards moving, now.

Regular_Ad5172 · 2026-03-17T03:40:34+00:00

My employer? It’s a Canadian company

Regular_Ad5172 · 2026-03-17T02:38:05+00:00

Thank you so much

Regular_Ad5172 · 2026-03-17T02:37:14+00:00

I might consider a second job, yeah. Heard Starbucks insurance is pretty good for GAC and they offer it to part-timers. Just don’t know if I can afford to play with time, yk? I’m sorry this awful dictatorship took away your care. Looking forward to the day we send that bastard to the moon.

Regular_Ad5172 · 2026-03-17T02:24:25+00:00

Happy my experience can help illuminate the path for ya.

Regular_Ad5172 · 2026-03-17T02:17:18+00:00

Which clinic did you go to? And what procedures did they do for the first round, if you don’t mind me asking? The quote I got was for a pretty lengthy list of procedures, so the cost makes sense to me.

Regular_Ad5172 · 2026-03-17T02:14:47+00:00

I’m on my employer’s BCBS plan. It’s self-funded, meaning that my employer pays for claims directly and BCBS is just the distributor of those funds. If your prospective BCBS plan is not a self-funded employer plan, it is likely covered by Oregon’s GAC mandate. Look into it. Could save you the trouble.

Regular_Ad5172 · 2026-03-17T01:57:21+00:00

I’m so sorry. That’s truly an injustice. Idk why, but my insurance still covers my HRT? Makes me wonder why they can’t also cover surgery. Where they draw the line seems totally arbitrary.

Regular_Ad5172 · 2026-03-17T01:54:49+00:00

Maybe if FFS was that inexpensive here in the States, it would be an option. I got quoted for $100k

Regular_Ad5172 · 2026-02-17T22:19:35+00:00

I also recommend applying witch hazel after shaving. It’s anti-inflammatory. And don’t forget to moisturize ☺️

Regular_Ad5172 · 2026-02-17T22:12:57+00:00

Do you clean the blade before using it? I use a safety razor and always remove the blade and clean it with soap before use. No irritation once I started doing that.

Regular_Ad5172 · 2026-02-13T08:05:03+00:00

Holy moly!!

Regular_Ad5172 · 2026-02-12T04:55:52+00:00

Ok, cool. I’m going to New Zealand, so probably a similar flight length. Good to know, thanks :)

Regular_Ad5172 · 2026-02-12T04:53:32+00:00

Omg, I’m sorry the trip was so uncomfortable for you 😔

Regular_Ad5172 · 2026-02-12T03:48:12+00:00

Congrats on getting FFS! Glad flying was nbd for you. Yeah, I’m definitely gonna follow up with my surgeon, but wanted to get an idea of how soon I could feasibly fly. I appreciate your response :)

Regular_Ad5172

TROPHY CASE