Connecticut is set to become the fifth state requiring health insurance providers to cover treatment related to transgender people's transitions and prohibit anti-trans discrimination, the Advocate reports.
A bulletin was released in December "all insurance companies, fraternal benefit societies, hospital service corporations, medical service corporations and health care centers that deliver or issue…health insurance policies in Connecticut." It states, "discrimination against an individual because of the individual's gender identity or expression is prohibited. This prohibition extends to the availability of health insurance coverage and the provision of health insurance benefits." You can read the full bulletin here.
"As we were turning the corner into the new year, we just wanted to make sure every constituency was clearly heard," said Anne Melissa Dowling, Deputy Insurance Commissioner, when speaking with the Hartford Courant.
Connecticut now joins California, Colorado, Oregon, and Vermont, all of which have similar trans-inclusive healthcare policies. In the remaining states, however, health insurance providers and employees are responsible for deciding if transition-related medical expenses are to be covered.
GLAAD hopes that other states will follow suit, such trans folk across the country can no longer be denied healthcare simply because they are trans, and we will continue our efforts in the New Year to render health care for all.