The Department of Defense issued a proposed rule Monday to update Tricare's mental health and substance use disorder benefits in line with recommendations from the Institute of Medicine.
As part of that, the proposed change permits coverage of non-surgical medically necessary care to treat transgender patients.
"It is no longer justifiable to categorically exclude and not cover currently accepted medically and psychologically necessary treatments for gender dysphoria (such as psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and hormone replacement therapy) that are not otherwise excluded by statute," the statement reads.
The change does not cover gender reassignment surgery or cosmetic surgeries such as mammary augmentation, face lifts and other similar services.
The cost of the proposal, which includes other changes beyond transgender-related medical services, would cost the Tricare program an additional $16.8 million annually, according to the report.
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