The Stigma and Bias Making Health Insurance Terrible for Trans People

Like millions of spouses around the country, Anton Prosser uses the insurance his husband receives from his employer.

“I’m a writer,” said Prosser. “You could say I’m a bit of a househusband.”

The 38-year-old from Austin, Texas was typically quite happy with his insurance coverage until he sought a prescription for hormone replacement therapy in 2014. Hormone replacement therapy is a commonly-prescribed treatment for transgender people like Prosser.

Prosser’s doctor refused to write the prescription because he “ knew absolutely nothing about transitioning,” said Prosser. Rather than look up basic information about the medications and widely accepted clinical guidelines, the doctor told him to find another doctor, giving him a list of thirty other doctors to “try.” Read more...