We get it — choosing the right healthcare provider for your gender-affirming care is a big decision, and you deserve all the information to make the best choice for you. On the surface, FOLX Health and Plume Clinic might seem like similar options for transgender and nonbinary people, but there are some important differences worth knowing about.
The Basics
Both FOLX and Plume offer virtual gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) with caring, knowledgeable providers. But that's where the similarities start to diverge.
FOLX Health serves the trans, gender diverse, and broader LGBQIA+ community across all 50 states. Beyond GAHT, we can be your primary care provider—treating everything from a sinus infection to managing chronic conditions, plus therapy in select states.
Plume focuses exclusively on transgender and nonbinary care and is available in 37 states. Their services center on GAHT with some adjacent wellness offerings.
Let's Talk Pricing
Here's where things get interesting. Pricing depends on your insurance situation, what medications you're on, and what care you need throughout the year. We've put together a couple of real-world scenarios to give you a sense of the difference.
A note on Plume's pricing: Their membership includes GAHT visits and labs, but you're paying $99/month regardless of how often you need care. If you only need a few visits or lab work once a year, those costs might be more than you need to pay.
Scenario 1: Estrogen (No Insurance)
Let's say you're paying monthly, don't have insurance, need 2 visits over the year, get labs done twice, and your medication is estradiol pills.
With FOLX, you’d save $376.12 in this scenario.
Scenario 2: Testosterone (Annual Payment, No Insurance)
Same setup, but you're on testosterone shots and paying annually to maximize your savings.
With FOLX, you’d save $154 your first year, ~$300+ in following years, in this scenario.
*Medication costs are estimates based on the average price of each medication from the FOLX partner pharmacy.
What If I Have Insurance?
This is a big one. FOLX accepts insurance nationwide, which can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs for visits, labs, and medications. Plume no longer accepts insurance, meaning you'll pay their full membership rate regardless of your coverage.
With FOLX and in-network insurance, you pay $39.99/month (or $299/year) for membership, then just your copays for visits, labs, and prescriptions. For many people, this means substantial savings—and you get access to comprehensive care beyond just GAHT.
The Bottom Line
Both FOLX and Plume are committed to serving our community with affirming, knowledgeable care. Here's what it comes down to:
Choose FOLX if you want a provider who can handle all your healthcare needs—not just GAHT—in one place. If you have insurance, want to save money, need care in any of the 50 states, or simply want the flexibility to pay for visits only when you need them, FOLX is built for you.
Choose Plume if you're focused specifically on GAHT, prefer paying more money for a predictable monthly fee, and don't mind seeking primary care elsewhere.
Whatever you decide, we're glad you're prioritizing your health. And if you have questions, we're always here to help.
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FOLX Health is the first digital healthcare company designed by and for the LGBTQIA+ community. Our services include virtual primary care, gender-affirming hormone therapy including estrogen and testosterone (HRT), mental health care, sexual and reproductive health care, preventive care, and fertility consultations. FOLX memberships give you access to LGBTQIA+ expert clinicians, peer support, thousands of LGBTQIA+ resources, and more. Whether you’re lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, gender non-conforming, or nonbinary, you can find LGBTQIA+-specialized health care that helps you meet your wellness goals. FOLX Health is health care that's queer all year. Get all the benefits of becoming a FOLX member and sign up today!
