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Federal Employees File EEOC Complaint as OPM Ends Coverage for Gender-Affirming Care

Plaintiffs claim the coverage exclusion unlawfully discriminates on the basis of sex.

Overview

  • The Human Rights Campaign Foundation filed the class complaint on Jan. 1 as the OPM policy took effect for federal and Postal Service health plans.
  • OPM’s August notice said coverage would no longer include “chemical and surgical modification of an individual’s sex traits through medical interventions” starting in 2026.
  • The filing asks OPM to rescind the policy and seeks economic damages, presenting accounts from four current employees at the State Department, HHS and the Postal Service.
  • One plaintiff describes a daughter recommended for puberty blockers and possible hormone therapy that would no longer be covered under the new rules.
  • HRC says that if OPM does not reverse course, it will pursue class claims at the EEOC and may bring a federal class action, as broader HHS proposals on youth care face state lawsuits and opposition from major medical groups.