MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — Vermont is clarifying that insurers cannot deny coverage of gender affirmation health care because of the individual’s age.
Department of Financial Regulation Commissioner Michael Pieciak says Monday the state has been receiving complaints from young Vermonters and their parents that insurers have been denying such coverage.
A 2007 Vermont law prohibits discrimination based on gender identity. A 2013 state bulletin said that law applies to the coverage of medically necessary care including gender affirmation surgery.
Vermont updated that bulletin to clearly state that insurers cannot deny coverage of gender affirmation surgery due to age unless other because of clinical factors or circumstances.
Meanwhile, the federal government is proposing to roll back similar federal protections. Republican Gov. Phil Scott’s administration proposes allowing individuals under age 21 to undergo gender-affirming through Medicaid.
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