Effective Jan. 1, 2023, UnitedHealthcare to expand gender dysphoria benefits

In developing medical policies supporting transgender health, UnitedHealthcare takes a broad medical view and approach. Beginning on and after Jan. 1, 2023, self-funded customers with UnitedHealthcare standard gender dysphoria benefits will have coverage expanded to include breast augmentation, tracheal shave, voice modification surgery and voice modification lessons/therapy. These procedures will be included in standard benefit plans beginning Jan. 1, 2023, as customers renew. In addition, a discretionary gap travel benefit is available locally to support the member when a provider or facility is not reasonably available for certain covered services for the treatment of gender dysphoria.

These expanded gender dysphoria benefits support the voluntary Corporate Equality Index 2023 survey developed and distributed annually by the Human Rights Campaign.

No action is needed for customers who have standard UnitedHealthcare benefits and wish to include these services consistent with standard UnitedHealthcare benefits. For other options, customers should contact their UnitedHealthcare representative.

This change does not apply to self-funded customers who have non-standard gender dysphoria coverage or to UMR, Surest® or Level Funded groups.

UnitedHealthcare will file Certificates of Coverage to expand the gender dysphoria benefit for large fully insured groups beginning on and after July 1, 2023, and for small fully insured groups renewing on and after Jan. 1, 2024.

For questions or support, please contact your broker or UnitedHealthcare representative.