Kreidler Prompts Kaiser to Write New Policy to Treat Transgender Women Fairly
Under the direction of Insurance Commissioner
Kreidler started an investigation into the companies earlier this year when three consumers sought help from his office. The companies specifically excluded breast augmentation as a treatment for gender dysphoria, the clinical diagnosis for transgender men and women. The companies did not consider individual cases, but instead issued blanket denials based on exclusions in their policies.
As a result of Kreidler's investigation, the companies will now cover chest reconstruction for transgender women. A physician must write a prescription for the treatment.
In addition, both companies will review all denials of this treatment since
"People who are transgender should not be barred from medical treatments because of their gender identity," Kreidler said. "I'm glad the companies ultimately did the right thing to ensure they are treating their transgender enrollees fairly."
Kreidler's investigation found that the companies treated transgender women differently than they treated transgender men and cisgender women. The companies pay for chest reconstruction for transgender men and for cisgender women who have had a mastectomy. The Affordable Care Act requires insurers to cover services for transgender individuals if they cover the services for cisgender individuals.
In addition,
If you have been denied insurance or treatment based on your gender or gender identity, you should file a complaint with Kreidler's office.
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