Overview
- The OPM policy took effect with the new year, removing coverage for “chemical and surgical modification” of sex traits from federal employee and U.S. Postal Service health plans.
- The Human Rights Campaign Foundation filed the complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on behalf of affected federal workers.
- The filing argues the coverage ban constitutes sex-based discrimination and seeks rescission of the policy, economic damages, and other relief.
- The complaint includes testimonies from four current employees at the State Department, HHS, and the Postal Service who say their or their dependents’ recommended care would be denied.
- If OPM does not resolve the issue, plaintiffs plan to pursue class claims at the EEOC and may seek a federal class action, as separate HHS proposals limiting pediatric coverage under Medicaid, Medicare, and CHIP face new legal challenges.