Prior to the announcement, health coverage under the city excluded transgender health services like counseling, hormone therapy and sex reassignment surgery.
“This has been in the works for many, many months,” City Manager Jon Jennings told the Portland Press Herald. “I just believe it was the right thing to do.” Portland Mayor Ethan Strimling added that the policy change will support transgender health and will protect all residents.
Portland joins 60 other U.S. cities — including San Diego, Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Buffalo, N.Y., Cincinnati, Philadelphia and Boston — to change their healthcare coverage to include transgender health services.
Groups supporting the transgender community — EqualityMaine, Maine Trans Net, the ACLU of Maine and Consumers for Affordable Health Care — said in a joint statement the decision “represents an important step forward in expanding health coverage to transgender Mainers.”
Portland City Council will vote Monday to endorse the change, the Portland Press Herald reported.
More articles on payer issues:
Aetna recognizes 2 employees who died in Orlando shooting
Conn. ethics officials to review conflict-of-interest allegations in Cigna-Anthem merger
Which states will lose or gain payers in 2017 ACA marketplace? 7 things to know
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.