​The Rise of Gender-Affirmation Health Care Benefits

Thirty Percent of U.S. Employers Currently Offer the Benefit

Brookfield, Wisconsin—Gender-affirmation health care benefit offerings have been on the rise over the past seven years, according to survey data from the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans. Up from 12 percent in 2016, 30 percent of U.S. employers now offer the benefit.

"When searching for meaningful employment, individuals look for employers with cultures that resonate. Often this involves inclusiveness and employers that offer a range of benefits to serve a diverse population," said Julie Stich, CEBS, Vice President of Content at the International Foundation.

According to Employee Benefits Survey: 2022 Results, among U.S. employer-provided health plans providing the benefit:

• 27% offer gender-reassignment/affirmation surgery (8% in 2016, 22% in 2018)
• 25% cover prescription drug therapy (hormone replacement therapy, etc.) (9% in 2016, 24% in 2018)
• 26% include physician visits (10% in 2016, 24% in 2018)
• 21% cover lab tests (9% in 2016, 23% in 2018)
• 6% include cosmetic surgery (facial feminization, Adam's apple reduction, etc.) (2% in 2016, 3% in 2018)

"Offering gender-affirmation health care benefits is a way for employers to remain competitive in attracting and retaining talent," Stich added. "This type of offering reinforces a culture of inclusion and belonging."

For more information on Employee Benefits Survey: 2022 Results, visit www.ifebp.org/ebs2022.

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The International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans is the premier educational organization dedicated to providing the diverse employee benefits community with objective, solution-oriented education, research and information to ensure the health and financial security of plan beneficiaries worldwide. The International Foundation has more than 31,000 multiemployer, corporate and public sector members representing over 25 million lives. For additional information, visit www.ifebp.org.