Gender confirming healthcare and insurance options at NAU
“Transgender Benefit” at NAU
At present, NAU’s United Health Care Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) offers a “Transgender Benefit” to SHIP plan enrollees. This benefit is available at all three AZ state universities.
SHIP’s “Transgender Benefit” affords students critical access to medically necessary, Gender Dysphoria health care. This access to care is a crucial element to the health, academic success and retention of transgender-identified students.
View the full policy.
How do I take advantage of this benefit?
Depending on where you are at in the process of transitioning, you can navigate this benefit in different ways:
If you want to transition but do not know if you meet all of the requirements for using these benefits OR if you are seriously considering transitioning but need more information:
Make an appointment to see one of the following providers:
Counseling Services – Schedule an appointment for an initial assessment and make your interest in Transcare known at that appointment. Additional information can be found here.
Medical Services – Please call 928-523-2131 to schedule an appointment and make your interest in Transcare known.
They will help you figure out next steps and how to move forward.
If you are already in the process of transitioning and would like to undergo one of the procedures covered:
Contact Campus Health Services (928-523-2131) to schedule an appointment to establish care and get a referral for a specialist. UHC encourages that you and your provider review the Gender Dysphoria (Commercial Medical Policy).
What are the requirements?
UHC details the requirements necessary for each surgery covered by the plan. Please reference the United Health Care full policy for specific requirements or email United Health Care Student Resources Transgender Benefits Information at SSurgerySRS@uhcsr.com
What is covered?
Gender Confirmation Surgery (GCS) is covered in the SHIP, including, but not limited to:
- Hormone therapy
- Hair removal in advance of genital reconstruction
- Behavioral health services
- Mastectomy
- Gonadectomy
- Genital reconstructive surgery (vaginectomy, urethroplasty, metoidioplasty, phalloplasty, scrotoplasty, placement of a testicular prosthesis and erectile prosthesis, penectomy, vaginoplasty, labiaplasty, and clitoroplasty)
What is not covered?
Procedures which are considered ‘cosmetic’ by UHC, the insurance agency behind the SHIP, are not covered under this benefit. These include:
- Rhinoplasty
- Face-lifting
- Lip enhancement or reduction
- Breast augmentation
- Blepharoplasty
- Body Contouring
- Reducing thyroid chondroplasty
- Voice modification surgery
- Skin resurfacing
- Laser electrolysis hair removal not related to genital reconstruction
Employee coverage
The NAU PPO through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Arizona BCBSAZ, which is one of the medical plans offered to benefit eligible employees, provides benefits for transgender services. For details on the benefit please review the plan certificate under the section titled ‘Transgender Services.’
For questions about the transgender benefit please can contact BCBSAZ:
Flagstaff Claims office 928-526-0232 or 800.423.6484
www.azblue.com
Group Number 0002
Student Counseling Services Trans* care
Schedule a Path to Care appointment that will allow any Counseling Services (CS) staff member to assist you in exploring the full range of issues you might be experiencing.
If you are seeking counseling for issues separate from gender-identity-related medical intervention, you can see any staff member for ongoing counseling.
If you are in need of advocacy for surgery, you will need to see one of the CS Trans* Care counselors. Please make this request clear to your Path to Care provider, who will facilitate the transfer of care. You will work with the Trans* Care counselor at CS to determine appropriate services and resources.
Further resources
LGBTQIA+ Resources and Support
CHS Student Health Insurance (SHIP)
United Health Care Student
