healthcare uncomfortable for many individuals, causing them
to avoid routine healthcare and put themselves at risk
(Maguen, Shipherd, & Harris, 2006). When care is sought
after, individuals often face discrimination, disrespect, and
harassment, much like Robert Eads did. Seaman (2015) noted
that almost half of female-to-male transgender adults reported
experiencing verbal harassment, physical assault, or unequal
treatment in both hospitals and doctor’s offices.
The transgender community receives unequal treatment not
only from providers, but from insurance companies. According
to the Philadelphia Center for Transgender Surgery,
transitioning usually costs over $100,000 when taking into
account anesthesia, hospital stay, and the various procedures
that a transgender individual may need or desire (Jackson,
2015). Such a price is unrealistic for many considering health
insurance companies often refuse coverage all together or
exclude certain treatments for transgender people. Private
insurance companies deny many individuals coverage when
they disclose that they are transgender or have undergone
transgender-related surgeries in the past (Transgender Law
Center, 2004).