[UPDATED FOR TRANSPARENCY]
Hello friends,
My name is Eden and I am a transmasculine person trying to raise money for gender-affirming top surgery for this summer (2021) before my insurance expires. I have known I was trans since I was about 13 and learned about transgender people, and I socially transitioned in freshman year of high school. I have been on testosterone for about two and a half years, since I was 18, and now need your help with next steps towards easing my dysphoria and affirming my identity.
I am paying out-of-pocket for my surgery because the top surgeon capable of performing keyhole surgery in my area does not accept insurance, and because my student health insurance does not adequately cover the cost of top surgery regardless of the surgeon I choose. My insurance may or may not reimburse me for up to 70% of the first incision; pre-authorization is required and it is largely up to their discretion.
The out-of-pocket cost for my top surgery with Dr. Beverly Fischer in Maryland in total is $9,700. This includes $6,700 for the actual procedure, $800 for the anesthesia, and $2,200 for the facility fees. I was hoping to schedule my top surgery date during June 2021, Pride Month, so that I could receive a $750 discount, but was unable to reach this goal in time. A 10% deposit ($970) is required to secure my surgery as the current cost. I am hoping to raise enough to get my surgery this winter (2021-22) so that I have a chance of being partially reimbursed by my college insurance; this differs from my original fundraising goal where I hoped to raise enough to cover the cost of surgery before August, when my insurance from my previous academic institution expires. I am using my college’s insurance to hopefully be reimbursed and this reimbursement will go towards the recovery process and any educational expenses incurred. I have already had my consultation ($100) and have received psychiatric and medical documentation of this being a medically necessary procedure. I am unable to put the cost on a medical credit card such as CareCredit because I do not meet the income requirements; I am unable to ask my family for help either.
I am a chronically ill student, so I cannot work the hours necessary to save up enough for top surgery. I have been trying to do so for years to no avail, so I appreciate any help whatsoever. The money I’ve raised will go directly towards the out-of-pocket cost of the surgery and related expenses, as well as the recovery process. I will update this fundraiser with more information as necessary. Thank you to everyone for your support. You have my gratitude and love.
Hey all, I’m still working towards my goal of top surgery and I’m waiting for the deposit money to transfer so that I can finally make my appointment for the winter. Gofundme takes a portion of each donation, so continuing to donate and share is appreciated, as the amount I’ll have to pay upfront is greater than anticipated due to me not being able to secure the deposit in time to receive the discount.