Gender-Affirming Benefits

SHIP Gender-Affirming Benefits 

Scheduling Appointments at UHS

  • Gender-affirming services and hormone therapy appointments with a primary care provider can be scheduled through the eTang portal. Visit the Transgender Care page for more details.
  • If you need assistance, call Clinic 3 at (510) 643-7110 and ask to speak with a clinic nurse. The clinic nurse can arrange appointments and prepare you for your visit.

Referrals 

  • If you receive a referral from a UHS provider, a member of the SHIP Trans Care Benefits Team will contact you to schedule a phone consultation to discuss the SHIP gender-affirming benefits, pre-certification requirements, locating in-network providers and go over any questions you may have.

Pre-certification is required for the following services: 

  • Hysterectomy 
  • Mastectomy (top surgery) 
  • Breast augmentation (augmentation mammoplasty) 
  • Gender-conforming facial surgery 
  • Gender-confirmation (reassignment/bottom) surgery
  • Fertility preservation 
  • Travel expenses

Pre-certification is not required for the following services:

  • Hormone therapy
  • Electrolysis (face and neck)
  • Laser hair removal (face and neck)
  • Tracheal shave
  • Vocal training (speech therapy)

Estimated Costs* for Common Surgeries

  • Mastectomy (top surgery): $10,000 - $12,000
  • Hysterectomy: $10,000 - $15,000
  • Metoidioplasty: $21,500 - $41,000
  • Vaginoplasty: $27,000
  • Orchiectomy: $6,500
  • Phalloplasty: $99,000
  • Augmentation mammoplasty (Breast augmentation): $7,000

*Please use these estimates as suggestions only; costs vary widely. Estimated prices are based on case rates, which may include costs for services after the surgery, such as follow-up care if needed.

SHIP members are responsible for the $450 deductible and any applicable co-pay and co-insurance, up to the out-of-pocket maximum of $3200 per plan year for in-network services. More benefit and coverage details can be found on the gender-affirming benefits flyer. Pre-certification is required for most care.

If you don't have SHIP

  • At UHS: Registered students can visit the Trans Care Team for the standard office visit co-pay of $15, regardless of insurance. The Trans Care Team can send prescriptions and lab work to outside pharmacies and labs.
  • Benefits & Coverage: Check with your health insurance provider to see what medical care is covered.
  • Kaiser members: Kaiser does not permit patients to go outside their system. Learn about Kaiser's transgender coverage.

Questions?

  • Contact the SHIP Trans Care Benefits Team at (510) 642-5700 or by sending a secure message in the eTang portal.  

More Information