From the start of our show, we’ve asked listeners to share stories about navigating the American health care system. Today, David talks with those of you who have had to fight for health care in order to manage chronic illnesses, secure gender-affirming surgeries, and help children receive developmental therapies for Down Syndrome.

Resources from the episode:

Planned Parenthood transgender identity terms and labels: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/gender-identity/transgender/transgender-identity-terms-and-labels
GLAAD transgender glossary of terms: https://www.glaad.org/reference/transgender
JAMA article on the association between gender-affirming surgery and mental health: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamasurgery/article-abstract/2779429
National Down Syndrome Society resources for finding support: https://www.ndss.org/lifespan/finding-support/
National Down Syndrome Congress local and national support networks: https://www.ndsccenter.org/programs-resources/affiliate-organizations/local-and-national-support-networks/
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists endometriosis resources: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/endometriosis
Johns Hopkins Crohn’s resources: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/gastroenterology_hepatology/diseases_conditions/faqs/crohns_disease.html
Cancer Care breast cancer resources: https://www.cancercare.org/diagnosis/breast_cancer

Keep up with David on twitter @CHIDavidSmith.

Share your feedback! Email us at costofcare@lemonadamedia.com or leave us a voicemail at 833-453-6662.

Support for this episode of The Cost of Care comes from Healthline.com, America’s leading digital health brand. Visit healthline.com/costofcare now, and stay connected by following @healthline on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Healthline: Powering healthy actions and supporting you on your journey to well-being.

Support for this podcast comes from The Commonwealth Fund, a health care research foundation working to improve the U.S. health system. Visit commonwealthfund.org/costofcare, and stay connected by following us on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Commonwealth Fund: Affordable, quality health care. For everyone.

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BONUS: Speaking with Robert Kolker, Author of "Lost Girls"