HHS issues new memorandum on LGBT rights in health care; no mention of coverage for transition-related care

[Guest Erika_1984]

http://www.hhs.gov/healthcare/facts/blog/2014/04/health-care-protections-lgbt-individuals.html

Nevertheless, one bullet point seems promising for that:

The landmark civil rights provision, Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, prohibits discrimination against individuals based on sex, which includes discrimination based on sex stereotyping and gender identity. While implementing regulations are being drafted, HHS is accepting complaints and enforcing the law.

I guess if you get denied for medically necessary SRS because your plan excludes it, it may be advisable to file a complaint to HHS after being turned down for preauthorization.

[Carolyn Marie]

It reads like the typical bureaucratic self-congratulatory announcement that when you parse it, says little or nothing. Any denial of benefits can be appealed, certainly, but that is no assurance of success.

Carolyn Marie

[Charlize]

Hopefully when they draft the regulations, as it sounds they are going to do, they will include services for the transgendered population. In the meantime appeals might help in two ways. One would be simply helping the individual but also perhaps they might help the people writing the regulations to understand the need.

Hugs,

Charlize