Your rights to coverage
In Washington state, health insurers usually can't deny or limit gender-affirming treatment that's medically necessary. Examples include:
- Hormone therapy
- Counseling
- Breast surgeries and chest reconstruction
- Hair removal
- Facial surgery
- Surgery to make the Adam's apple smaller
If your insurer denies services, they must explain why. Then, a health provider with experience in gender-affirming treatment will review their decision. Insurers can only deny these services for reasons based on medical evidence.
If you believe you've been unfairly denied coverage, file an appeal with your insurer. For help with writing an appeal, see our example of an appeal letter for gender-affirming care.
You can also file a complaint and we'll look into it.