Aetna said it would also reimburse some trans women who were denied coverage but had the surgery. The company said it was actively reaching out to individuals who had sought authorization for their surgeries and were denied. Cora Brna was denied coverage for breast augmentation surgery two years ago, when she tried to schedule it at the same time that she was undergoing genital reassignment, which was covered by Aetna. Aetna’s new policy also comes at a time when the federal government is re-examining whether denying some types of care to transgender individuals is discriminatory. Under the Affordable Care Act, insurers cannot discriminate against individuals on the basis of gender identity, and most insurance companies provide coverage for people who require gender reassignment surgery.

Source: New York Times January 26, 2021 18:40 UTC