Federal Workers Challenge Gender-Affirming Care Policy
WASHINGTON – A group of federal employees is contesting a new policy set to take effect that changes health insurance coverage for what is described as gender-affirming care.
The challenge, brought by an advocacy group, objects to the Office of Personnel Management’s recent decision to no longer include “chemical and surgical modification of an individual’s sex traits through medical interventions” in health plans for federal employees and postal workers.
The group argues that excluding this type of care is discriminatory. They are asking the personnel office to reverse its decision.
The complaint includes statements from federal workers at the State Department, Health and Human Services, and the Postal Service, who say they will be directly affected by the change. One postal worker says their daughter, who has been diagnosed with gender dysphoria, may no longer be able to receive puberty blockers or hormone therapy, as recommended by doctors.
This challenge follows other actions taken by the previous administration regarding transgender issues. Previously, proposals were made that would limit gender-affirming care for minors, and some officials have voiced concerns about these types of procedures for children.
