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)
  • 20% 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.

Anne Patterson

Marketing Communications Manager
Favorite Foundation Product: Foundation Community. It’s like LinkedIn but only for Foundation members. They can post questions, share best practices, etc—all with fellow members who also live and breathe employee benefits.
Benefits-related Topics That Interest Her Most: Workplace wellness (especially mental health), diversity, equity and inclusion, behavioral decision making, family-friendly benefits, payroll audits.
Personal Insight: When she’s not busy analyzing the inner workings of her toddler’s brain (does anyone actually know?!), Anne finds joy in home renovation and décor, haiku writing, watching Jeopardy, creating charcuterie boards, and bicycling.

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