A group of United States federal employees filed a class action complaint Thursday against the Trump administration over a new policy that eliminates coverage for gender-affirming care in federal health insurance programs. The Human Rights Campaign Foundation issued the complaint on behalf of the employees, naming the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) as a defendant.
The policy, which took effect at the start of the new year, stems from an August letter from the OPM stating that, as of 2026, federal health insurance plans would no longer be required to cover gender-affirming treatments and procedures. The complaint alleges that this policy violates federal law by discriminating against transgender employees.
Advocates for the plaintiffs argue that the policy reverses years of progress in ensuring equitable healthcare access for transgender individuals. They contend that gender-affirming care is medically necessary and that denying coverage constitutes discrimination based on sex.
The Trump administration has faced increasing criticism for policies perceived as targeting transgender individuals. These include proposed rules to ban gender-affirming care for transgender youth and restrictions on transgender individuals serving in the military. Supporters of these policies argue they are necessary to protect religious freedom and maintain military readiness.
The lawsuit seeks to reinstate coverage for gender-affirming care in federal health insurance plans and prevent the OPM from implementing the new policy. The case is expected to proceed in the coming months, with legal experts anticipating a lengthy and complex legal battle. The Justice Department has not yet commented on the pending litigation.
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