Vermont is clarifying that insurers cannot deny coverage of gender confirmation health care because of the individual's age.
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 confirmation surgery.
Vermont updated that bulletin to clearly state that insurers cannot deny coverage of gender confirmation surgery due to age, unless there are other clinical factors.
Department of Financial Regulation Commissioner Michael Pieciak said Monday the state has been receiving complaints from young Vermonters and their parents that insurers have been denying such coverage.
Meanwhile, the federal government is proposing to roll back similar federal protections.
Republican Governor Phil Scott's administration has proposed allowing individuals under age 21 to undergo gender-confirmation surgery through Medicaid.
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