Gender-affirmation health care benefit offerings have been on the rise over the past seven years, according to survey data from the International Foundation. Up from 12 percent in 2016, 30 percent of U.S. employers now offer the benefit.
I spoke with Julie Stich, CEBS, Vice President of Content at the Foundation, more about this topic. She said, when searching for meaningful employment, individuals look for employers with cultures that resonate. Often this involves inclusiveness and employers that offer a range of benefits to serve a diverse population.
According to Employee Benefits Survey: 2022 Results, among U.S. employer-provided health plans providing the benefit:
- 27% offer gender-reassignment/affirmation surgery (8% in 2016, 22% in 2018)
- 25% cover prescription drug therapy (hormone replacement therapy, etc.) (9% in 2016, 24% in 2018)
- 26% include physician visits (10% in 2016, 24% in 2018)
- 21% cover lab tests (9% in 2016, 23% in 2018)
- 6% include cosmetic surgery (facial feminization, Adam’s apple reduction, etc.) (2% in 2016, 3% in 2018)
Offering gender-affirmation health care benefits is a way for employers to remain competitive in attracting and retaining talent. This type of offering reinforces a culture of inclusion and belonging.
For more information on Employee Benefits Survey: 2022 Results, visit www.ifebp.org/ebs2022.
