Gender-Affirming Care Now Included In County Government Insurance – Patch.com

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — Gender-affirming health services are now included in the medical insurance policy for employees of the Anne Arundel County government.

“Providing our LGBTQ+ employees and residents with the support they need is critical to our mission of making Anne Arundel County The Best Place – For All,” County Executive Steuart Pittman said in a press release announcing the news last Friday. “Now, our employees and their families will have access to the care they need to live freely as who they are.”

The benefits are available for county government workers and their dependents through Aetna. The plan took effect on Jan. 1 after internal announcements and employee informational sessions.

“We are grateful to the County Executive for leadership relating to transgender and transition related healthcare,” Annapolis Pride Chair Joe Toolan said. “Lawmakers in 32 states either actively block or fail to offer this critical medical care.”

Before a gender-affirming surgery, Aetna will perform medical necessity and benefit reviews. The provider will also help with care management along with patient support before and after the surgery. Aetna additionally has a clinical pharmacist who can answer hormone therapy medication questions.

“Providing access to gender-affirming medical care is an essential component of health insurance benefits for transgender people,” said Abbie Ellicot, Chair of the WISE LGBTQ+ Advocacy Huddle. “We commend the County Executive and his administration for including these important benefits for employees and continuing the important work around diversity, equity, and inclusion.”

Aetna will also offer education on sex transition options as well as emotional and mental support. Some resources include counseling, behavioral health programs and local support groups.

“These new medical benefits will help to ensure that we are meeting the health coverage needs of all the members of our workforce,” Personnel Director Anne Budowski said.

To learn more, employees can visit aacounty.aetna.com or call Aetna Member Services at 1-855-222-2774.

“Research demonstrates that gender-affirming care designed to affirm individuals’ gender identities greatly improves the mental health and overall well-being of gender diverse, transgender, and nonbinary people,” Toolan said. “The reality is, gender-affirming healthcare saves lives and we are proud of this major win for our county employees.”

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