Also, in what is an uncharacteristic act of optimism, I made the assumption that Aetna will stop being douchecanoes and approve my gender affirming facial surgery as required by MA law, and got bangs to help hide the scarring that will be there for a little while, and now I’m mad that I haven’t done that before.
Finally, the costs of the bottom surgery got finalized, and boy, do I hate the American healthcare system more and more each month. For a 3 hour surgery and a total of 30 hours in the hospital total…
The hospital billed a total of $48,945 ($28k for hospital, $18k for surgeons, $3k for other staff), insurance cut it to $36,161, of which they paid $30,179. I owe $5,982.
Do you have a link to that law, or any resources on it? If Aetna does approve it, I’d be interested in knowing. I’ve got a friend looking to get that procedure done but it isn’t covered where she lives and cost prohibitive for her (~$15K was what she was quoted), so if it is covered in another state and there’s a possibility of medical tourism and/or moving to get it done I’d like to let her know about that option.
I had to cancel my planned FFS because of issues with the surgeon I had chosen. I’m basically starting over from scratch, trying to find someone that would be able to get me through the process in time before I move. Hopefully it can still happen, but we’ll see.
I’m pretty crushed today though. It was so damn close.
If anyone is going to be at the Spring Meeting in Boston next week, find me and say hi! I’m the 6’2" woman with pink and purple hair, I should be easy to spot among actuaries.
I’ve been able to find a new facial surgeon, have 2 appointments with him, get some morphed photos of some of the options of surgeries I was considering, and I’m likely to be able to have surgery in November assuming things go well with insurance. It’s annoying that I wasted so much time with an office that was so inefficient, but I’m pleased I seem to be back on track.
Oh, for those of you that don’t follow me on LinkedIn – I’ll be covering up the CAS logo on my badge with medical tape as a show of disgust at their putting the CLRS in Florida. I’ll have the roll of medical tape in my purse, so if you want to join me in that, just find me and ask.
The conference went well (other than an anxiety attack mid way through Tuesday, but I was able to pull it together for the reception/dinner). I had a nice conversation with Victor Carter-Bey, and while it was a good conversation and I think he heard the concerns, ultimately they aren’t going to do anything about the continued string of CLRS meetings I can’t safely attend.
I’m considering my next steps there, but it’ll likely be outside the actuarial community.
Right now, ending the practice of bringing tourism dollars to states actively running a genocide. Failing that, ending the CAS/AAA regulatory stranglehold on who gets to provide actuarial services so other organizations that are not hell bent on funding fascism can pop up.
That second one seems hard though, so focusing on the first for now.
It’s a noble goal but remember that you can’t pour from an empty cup. It’s also a problem that’s not going to get resolved quickly, so take care of yourself first.
I’m kinda boycotting travel to Florida, but i travel so little it is not much of a boycott, even in an individual level. I will be interested in what you do going forward.
I spent a day last week with someone. We were sitting around after supper at my place and she mentioned that she was trans.
I didn’t say anything, but I’m sitting there thinking…if she’s trans, then why is she wearing female clothes? I know I’m ignorant, but shoot, I don’t want people to have to wear and appear in a manner they’re uncomfortable with. That much I know.
Much much later…Ooooooh. eff me I’m stupid.
I guess I passed though. I picked her up in a public place though but she directed me to drop her off at her house.
I received my confirmation of permanent residency from the Canadian government today, with the invitation to send my passport to them in the mail to have the visa issued. It sounds like the visa will expire in January 2024 (one year after the medical date), so early next year will be the move date most likely.
Hit with so many emotions. Obviously happy and excited to be starting the next chapter, but also very sad and angry it came to this.
Bike and walking friendly city. Skating on the Rideau canal. Gatineau mountains right there for skiing. Walkable and beautiful.downtown. a whole week of ice sculptures.wilderness at your doorstep.a variety of galleries. Canada day on parliament hill. St Lawrence river within driving distance as is Montreal.
It’s gonna be great!
Oh, and the Scotiabank marathon in may is huge. You might even see me there some may. I’m at the back.
