BC Needs to Expand Transgender Healthcare
Compared to the Yukon one of the most vulnerable in British Columbia do not have proper access to healthcare to meet their congruence.
No one should have to be rich to feel comfortable in their own skin especially since trans people on average are less likely to secure housing and employment opportunities.
Why should transpeople have to save for something that cisgender just get for free (The body that fits their mental map)
This is the list of procedures currently not covered.
NOT COVERED:
Facial feminization
Tracheal shave
Voice pitch surgery
Non-medical interventions like laser hair removal or electrolysis
Take-home medications and equipment
Personal expenses, meals and accommodation
However compared to the Yukon.
Yukon Insured Health Services expanded coverage in 2021 to include “comprehensive list of surgeries and other procedures” for the trans and gender diverse community, in accordance with WPATH standards.
“Last year, we expanded Yukon’s healthcare to cover surgeries and other procedures essential to gender transition. The new policy was recognized at that time as the most comprehensive health coverage for gender-affirming care in North America,” a government spokesperson told Global News.
To receive coverage, patients must have gender dysphoria and a referral from a mental health provider. A medical practitioner (including a nurse practitioner) can prescribe hormone therapy.
COVERED:
Hormone therapy (medical practitioner must apply to benefits program on behalf of patient) Vaginoplasty
Phalloplasty
Metoidioplasty
Penectomy
Hysterectomy
Salpingo-oophorectomy
Orchiectomy
Mastectomy
Chest contouring
Body contouring
Hair removal
Medical and travel costs
Facial feminization surgery ($30K-$50K)
Voice therapy
Vocal surgery
Mental wellness services (through All Genders Yukon Society)
Training for healthcare professionals (at no cost) to provide compassionate and culturally sensitive WPATH gender-inclusive care
PARTIALLY/CONDITIONALLY COVERED:
<span style="color:#323232;">Counselling services
</span>
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