I started to write a post about the Seattle weekend, but some important mail arrived before I'd finished.
I received a copy of a letter sent from the provincial Ministry of Health Services to the psychiatrists who did my evaluation for surgical readiness. The letter says that the Gender Reassignment Surgery Review Committee has authorized the Medical Services Plan (provincial health insurance) to pay for my genital surgery.
Yes, there were a few tears when I read that. I could have paid for the procedure if necessary, but I'm glad I don't have to. As well, even though I know I'm transsexual and need this procedure, it's cool to have those added bits of approval, first from the psychiatrists (and I didn't hide anything from them) and now from the Ministry of Health Services.
This all went pretty quickly. My evaluation was on July 30. The supporting letter was dated August 6, and was received by the ministry on August 19. And the funding approval letter was dated September 1! I'm still glad I set a date already. Now I can confirm and move things along.
I'm sorry for those who have to spend their life savings to obtain necessary medical treatment. I'm even sorrier for those who have no way to save that kind of money. I wish things were different. But I'm very glad I live in British Columbia.
Going Home For The Holidays
1 hour ago
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11 comments:
Congratulations. In the UK 18% of patients commit suicide whilst waiting in the labyrinthine system based in London. Compared to our third world system Canada is a shining example to the world.
Congratulations again.
Caroline
Oh my god this is the BEST news I've had all week! Véeronique I'm so happy for you, I know how much this means. Congratulations!!!
Hugs,
Sam
Caroline,
At least y'all and the Canadians have universal health care systems.
We're still fighting tooth and nail in the States just to get major reform done.
Congrats, Lady V!
Congratulations! Wish we had that kind of health care down here in the states.
Woah, congratulations! I'm so happy for you! I really think I should move to B.C.! ;) Seriously though, the good ole' US of A needs to take a few notes on how they do things in Canada.
Congratulations, Veronique!
Congrats, Veronique. I'm glad to see B.C. is so quick. Quebec is much slower.
Love
Jillian
Thanks, all! It's a great feeling.
A few comments mentioned Canada. Just so things are clear, at this point, only British Columbia and Ontario fully cover GCS, and you have to jump through some hoops (as might be expected). I think some provinces might provide partial coverage, but I also think that most don't cover it at all.
There are really 13 public health care systems in Canada under the Canada Health Act, which does ensure some guarantees from province to province. But GCS isn't one of them.
The provincial approval board meets periodically. Guess I got lucky and my application went in just before they met!
Can't wait for January -- and I've never said that before. :)
Hi,
To begin with, Congratulations! This is GREAT news, indeed!
Erm, I have a doubt-- more as a non-Canadian in Canada seeking to understand: When you say funded (in BC and ON) whom are you funded by? Is it as part of the state's insurance i.e. all part of health insurance coverage? Or is it something else?
Hi Kama, and thank you.
My surgery will be paid for by the Medical Services Plan of BC, which is the provincial health insurance plan. In Ontario, I imagine the funding comes from OHIP, if that's what they still call it. In BC, it's the same as if I needed any operation deemed medically necessary. The provincial plan would cover it.
Thanks for your reply, Veronique! This happens to be a very precious piece of information and I must say that I am impressed.
As well, right now would be the occasion to also thank you for this wonderful blog of yours and for all the other links that I found thanks to your blog.
Many good vibes in the journey ahead of you: I'll be following with all my support!
Kama
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