What does HRT cost per month through an online clinic?

The cost of HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) through an online clinic can vary significantly, generally ranging from $50 to $250+ per month. This cost usually breaks down into a monthly subscription/consultation fee from the clinic, plus the separate cost of medications and lab tests.

Here's a breakdown of costs and specific online clinics to consider, categorized by common HRT needs:

For Transgender HRT (Gender Affirming Care)

These clinics specialize in HRT for trans men and women, focusing on an informed consent model.

1. Plume:

   • Cost: Approximately $99 per month.
   • Why: Plume is a popular and well-regarded service for gender-affirming HRT. Their monthly membership typically includes unlimited virtual visits with a provider, labs ordered to a local lab (you pay the lab directly or use insurance), prescription management, and letters for name/gender marker changes.
   • What's not included: The cost of the medication itself (which you pay to your pharmacy) and the actual lab draw fees. With GoodRx or insurance, medication can range from $10-$60/month.

2. Folx Health:

   • Cost: Ranges from $79 to $159+ per month depending on the specific plan and if you want medication included.
   • Why: Similar to Plume, Folx offers comprehensive gender-affirming HRT. Their model can be slightly more flexible, with options that might include medication delivery directly to your door. They are known for providing care for both feminizing and masculinizing HRT, as well as other queer health services like PrEP.
   • What's included: Plans often include initial consultation, ongoing virtual visits, lab orders, and support. Some higher-tier plans include the cost of the medication.
   • What's not included: For lower-tier plans, medication costs are separate.

3. Moxie (formerly QueerMed):

   • Cost: Initial consult often $75-$100, with follow-up visits or subscription plans varying, often in the $50-$75/month range.
   • Why: Another option for gender-affirming HRT, Moxie provides virtual care including consultations, prescriptions, and lab orders. They aim to make care accessible for the queer community.
   • What's not included: Like Plume, medication costs and lab draw fees are separate.

For Menopause/Perimenopause HRT

These clinics focus on HRT for cisgender women experiencing symptoms of menopause or perimenopause.

1. Evernow:

   • Cost: Approximately $59 per month for the subscription fee.
   • Why: Evernow specializes in treating menopause symptoms with HRT and offers personalized treatment plans. The monthly fee covers unlimited access to a menopause specialist, ongoing care, and prescription management.
   • What's not included: The cost of medication itself (paid to your pharmacy) and lab tests.

2. Alloy Women's Health:

   • Cost: Consultation fee (e.g., $119), then medication subscriptions start around $55 per month.
   • Why: Alloy focuses on evidence-based HRT solutions for perimenopause and menopause. They offer a range of products including pills, patches, and gels, and emphasize a personalized approach.
   • What's not included: Initial consultation fee is separate, and medication costs are additional to the subscription/service fee.

3. Midi Health:

   • Cost: Consultation fees can vary, often starting around $149 for an initial visit, with follow-ups typically $79. (Not a monthly subscription model in the same way as others).
   • Why: Midi provides virtual care for women over 40, specializing in perimenopause and menopause. They offer personalized plans that can include HRT, lifestyle advice, and supplements.
   • What's not included: Medication costs and lab tests are separate.

Other Important Cost Factors:

• Medication Costs: This is often the most variable part.
  • Generics (e.g., estradiol pills, spironolactone, testosterone cypionate injections): Can be as low as $10-$60 per month with coupons like GoodRx or SingleCare, or if covered by insurance.
  • Brand names, patches, gels, or compounded medications: Can be significantly more expensive, ranging from $50 to $200+ per month, even with insurance.
• Lab Tests:
  • Initial labs: To establish baselines, these can cost anywhere from $50 to $200+ if you're paying out-of-pocket without insurance or have a high deductible.
  • Follow-up labs (every 3-6 months): These are typically less extensive and might cost $30-$100 per test.
  • Insurance: Lab tests are often covered by insurance, but it depends on your plan and deductible.
• Insurance Coverage:
  • Most online clinics (like Plume and Folx) do not directly bill your insurance for their monthly service fee. You pay that out-of-pocket.
  • However, they will send prescriptions to your local pharmacy, which can then be covered by your insurance.
  • Lab tests ordered by these clinics can often be billed to your insurance by the lab provider (e.g., Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp).

In summary, a typical monthly cost for HRT through an online clinic, including the clinic fee, generic medication, and an average cost for labs (factoring in 3-4 tests per year), often falls in the range of $100 to $200 per month if paying mostly out-of-pocket for services, but using insurance for labs and meds where possible. Always check the specific pricing structures of the clinic you're considering and what exactly is included.