Top Surgery in Wisconsin

Accessing healthcare as a transgender individual in Wisconsin involves both support and significant challenges, including social stigma, long wait times, and financial barriers.

Wisconsin offers several options for gender-affirming care, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and surgery. Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin provides HRT for individuals 18 and older, available statewide through telehealth and in-person visits. UW Health in Madison offers comprehensive gender-affirming services, including surgical options.

However, in July 2023, SSM Health—a nonprofit Catholic health system—discontinued gender-affirming surgeries in the Madison area under pressure from the Catholic Church. This effectively barred Dr. Clifford King, once one of the most experienced Top Surgery surgeons in the country, from performing the procedure. King, a highly regarded surgeon, expressed deep disappointment over no longer being able to provide this care. Further complicating access to care, UW Health surgeons faced threats from far-right disinformation campaigns in 2022, prompting three major medical associations to urge Attorney General Merrick Garland to investigate.

With the SSM Health ban and increasing demand at UW Health, wait times for Top Surgery in Wisconsin have grown significantly. Residents also experience long delays in accessing therapists for required surgery letters.

Insurance coverage for gender-affirming Top Surgery varies. Wisconsin law prohibits Medicaid from excluding gender-affirming treatments, and all in-state Top Surgery surgeons accept insurance, with some also taking Medicaid and Medicare. However, not all insurance plans offer sufficient coverage, making it essential to review policy details to anticipate out-of-pocket costs.

Last updated: 03/22/25