Member Story Spotlight: Gender Dysphoria Breast Reduction

At Included Health, we’re dedicated to raising the standard of care for everyone. We’re proud of our care coordinators from the LGBTQ+ Health team who help queer and trans people to be themselves with our support. We work to connect members of the LGBTQ+ community to culturally competent, affirming providers.

Below, read an anonymous story of how our care coordinators help members from the LGBTQ+ community or members with loved ones in the LGBTQ+ community.

Included Health Care Coordinators: Isaac and Leila

Isaac had a member who lives in New York City and identifies as a lesbian. Recently, she was looking to get a breast reduction. While she made it clear that she isn’t transgender, she wanted to connect with a plastic surgeon who could reduce the size of her breasts to make her feel more comfortable with herself and her gender identity. On top of wanting to understand surgery coverage and her benefits, she was also looking for an OB/GYN and a primary care provider. Although the care request was ultimately transferred to another care coordinator, Isaac began the initial process with this member.

First, Isaac had a phone call with the member so that they could align on her priorities and so he could gather some additional information about her request. He also reached out to her company’s insurance and benefits advocate service to get an understanding of this member’s benefits and to see what would be required for a gender-affirming breast reduction.

Solution: Affirming Care and Gender Dysphoria Breast Reduction

“Even though this member doesn’t identify as transgender, she still suffers from gender dysphoria and deserves affirming, competent care from providers that respect her identity. It was rewarding helping her to understand her benefits and connecting her with multiple providers to get the care she needs.” – Isaac

Isaac was able to find out what would be required for this type of surgery to be covered and then started the search for providers. While he was waiting to learn more about coverage, he identified some primary care and OB/GYN provider options for the member. The member was eventually transferred over to Leila as her new care coordinator.

Leila helped her move forward in the process with a care team that she’s fully comfortable with, and advocated for her throughout. The member had breast reduction surgery on March 11, 2022. As she continues to heal, her care coordinator will be there to offer resources. If she has questions about insurance coverage, mental health support needs, or any other concerns after her procedure, the LGBTQ+ Health team can help with that too.

In her feedback to us, she wrote, “I can’t say enough about how Included Health has been so beneficial. I had no idea I could even get a breast reduction under gender dysphoria. This has changed my life. I’m so grateful for this service and my care coordinators.”

At Included Health, we strive to provide friendly and exceptional healthcare navigation services to the LGBTQ+ community.Learn more about ourLGBTQ+ Health services for your employees, and please do not hesitate to contact us to #GetIncluded for your company, health plan, and community.

And, as always, if you’re an Included Health member, don’t hesitate to contact our LGBTQ+ Care Coordinator team to get connected with affirming providers.

Editorial Team

Our Editorial Team is composed of our leaders, clinicians, and care coordinators, as well as other Included Health employees, all who are working to raise the standard of healthcare for everyone. Together, they combine decades of subject matter experience across all fields of healthcare.