Many transgender people face fears every day about transitioning to the gender they most identify with. Can I afford the top surgery I need to align my gender identity with my body? Will I be denied medical insurance coverage for specific treatments, like top surgery? Will my medical providers help me with insurance difficulties? At Longwood Plastic Surgery, we are in our transgender patients’ corner and can help you understand your insurance coverage or financing options.
How Does Top Surgery Work?
Top surgery is the treatment recommended for chest dysphoria in patients whose bodies don’t align with their gender identity. For Male-to-Female patients, MtF top surgery enhances breasts to feminize the chest and contribute to an hourglass figure. For Female-to-Male patients, FtM top surgery removes breast tissue and sculpts a flat, masculine chest.
The chest is a major factor in how society perceives and reacts to a person. When you’re treated as the gender you identify with, the mental relief can be immense. Top surgery frees transgender patients from mismatched social constraints, so they can concentrate on living their life authentically rather than stressing over how they look to others.
Am I a Good Candidate for Top Surgery?
Candidates for MtF top surgery are required to be on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for a minimum of 1 year prior to having breast enhancing top surgery at LPS. Hormones generate natural growth of the breast tissue for up to 18 months. Not only does this inform the size of implants that will best suit you, but it expands your skin to better accept the additional volume breast implants bring for more pleasing outcomes.
FtM top surgery candidates do not require HRT before undergoing top surgery, though it can help build the pectoralis muscles that contribute to a more masculine-looking chest.
If your gender does not match the body you were born with, and you’re seeking to affirm who you really are physically as well as mentally, top surgery at LPS may be a step toward achieving the appearance that better suits your gender identity.
How Much Will Insurance Cover for Top Surgery?
Massachusetts has some of the most robust transgender insurance regulations in the US, so part or all of your procedure may be covered. This gives transgender patients at LPS peace of mind that you won’t have to choose between your health and your budget.
Participants in the state’s MassHealth program (Massachusetts Medicaid) cannot be denied insurance coverage for transgender medical care. Private healthcare providers with a Massachusetts license cannot exclude transgender patients from health coverage.
Only patients with a self-insured plan, where the union or employer pays healthcare claims, aren’t guaranteed coverage under these regulations. If you’re not sure if your plan is self-insured, check with your employer’s HR department or your union representative.
At LPS, most gender affirmation procedures are partially or fully covered by Massachusetts insurance providers. Our Patient Care Coordinators are pleased to discuss options available through CareCredit and GreenSky for patients needing additional assistance.
Take the Next Step
Interested in learning about top surgery? Schedule your consultation with Longwood Plastic Surgery today by calling our Brookline office at (617) 383-6250. We serve the Brookline and Greater Boston area with distinction.