Why does FOLX require members to be 18 or older?
FOLX operates as a telehealth provider for adults. Medical and legal guidelines require different approaches for minors, including parental/guardian consent in most cases. Our clinical protocols, provider training, and systems are specifically designed for adult care. Additionally, in many states, we face legal restrictions on providing certain healthcare services to minors. Note that Nebraska and Alabama specifically prohibit gender-affirming care for individuals under 19, so residents of these states must be 19+ to access our gender-affirming care services.
What happens if I provide a false birth date to access services?
Providing false information to access healthcare services is considered fraud. If we discover someone has misrepresented their age:
- Their FOLX account will be permanently banned
- Any care will be terminated
- They will be ineligible for future FOLX services
- We may be legally obligated to report certain instances of healthcare fraud
This policy exists to protect both our members and our clinicians.
How does FOLX verify age?
We employ several verification methods throughout our onboarding and care processes. These include ID verification, insurance verification when applicable, clinical screening, and periodic verification checks. Our clinicians are also trained to identify potential age discrepancies during consultations.
I'm under 18 (or under 19 in Nebraska/Alabama) and need gender-affirming care. What are my options?
We understand the critical importance of timely access to affirming care. Here are some options:
- Speak with your primary care provider about referrals to LGBTQIA+-friendly specialists
- Contact your local PFLAG chapter for local resources
- Reach out to larger children's hospitals, which often have specialized gender clinics
- See if your area has an LGBTQIA+ community center that offers youth services
- Use the GLMA Provider Directory to find LGBTQIA+-friendly providers
Can my parent sign up for me if I'm under the required age?
No. FOLX services are designed specifically for adults 18+ (19+ in Nebraska and Alabama for gender-affirming care). Even with parental consent, we cannot provide services to minors due to our clinical protocols, regulatory considerations, and telehealth limitations.