Trans federal workers sue Trump administration over ban on gender-affirming care coverage
Donald Trump (Getty Images)
Five trans federal employees have filed a proposed class action lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging a policy that excludes gender-affirming care from health insurance plans covering federal workers, retirees, Postal Service employees and their families.
Filed in the US District Court for the District of Columbia on Monday (3 August), the lawsuit argues that the Office of Personnel Management’s policy unlawfully discriminates against transgender employees in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits sex-based workplace discrimination.
The complaint alleges that the government continues to cover many of the same medications, hormones and surgical procedures when they are prescribed for other medical conditions, but excludes them when they are used as part of gender-affirming care.
The plaintiffs say the policy has resulted in denied claims, cancelled treatment plans and significant financial hardship. One State Department employee, who has received hormone therapy since 2018, alleges he now faces more than $100,000 (£74,360) in out-of-pocket costs after medically necessary gender-affirming surgery was no longer covered by his insurance.
“Our message to the Trump administration is simple: ‘We’ll see you in court’”
Another plaintiff who is a transgender State Department employee says routine hormone therapy, blood work and follow-up care have also been excluded. A Postal Service employee says continuing treatment for his transgender daughter could force the family to drain its savings.
The lawsuit also challenges a temporary exception for people already “mid-treatment,” arguing that the government never clearly defined who qualifies. Beginning in 2027, insurers will reportedly be required to eliminate those exceptions.
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation, which is backing the lawsuit, said the case seeks to restore healthcare coverage for tens of thousands of transgender federal employees, retirees and their dependents. According to the Williams Institute, an estimated 39,400 transgender people covered by federal employee health plans could be affected by the policy.
“Our message to the Trump administration is simple: We’ll see you in court,” Human Rights Campaign Foundation President Kelley Robinson said in a 3 August press release.
