Does the military pay for hormone replacement therapy?
The military health insurance plans do cover medically necessary hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for transgender service members who have been diagnosed with gender dysphoria. However, the coverage details vary depending on the specific military branch and plan.
Key Factors Affecting Coverage
There are several key factors that impact whether or not the military insurance plans will cover hormone therapy:
- Diagnosis - A diagnosis of gender dysphoria by a military medical provider is required. This involves an evaluation of the service member's medical and mental health.
- Medical necessity - The treatment must be deemed medically necessary by the military health care providers. Not all transgender individuals require medical intervention.
- Service branch - Each branch sets its own policies regarding coverage of transgender care within the military health system. There can be differences.
Army, Navy, Air Force
- The Army, Navy and Air Force health insurance plans do cover hormone replacement therapy for transgender members if it is prescribed by a military doctor and deemed medically necessary.
- The therapies must be obtained at a military treatment facility or approved private health care provider in accordance with the military policies.
Marine Corps
- The Marine Corps previously had restrictions prohibiting coverage for hormone therapy.
- However, as of 2022, the Marine Corps has updated its policies to confirm that medically necessary hormone-related prescription drugs and lab work needed for the treatment of gender dysphoria diagnoses can be obtained through the military health insurance.
Coast Guard
- The Coast Guard follows the Department of Defense policies regarding medical care for transgender personnel. Hormone replacement treatment is covered when medically needed.
Type of Hormone Therapies Covered
The military health plans cover doctor-prescribed hormone medications related to gender transition, which may include:
Related lab work and clinical monitoring of the effects of the hormone therapy over time are also covered.
The coverage applies whether the service member is actively deployed/training or stationed within the US. If medications need to be adjusted during deployment, the doctors coordinate care.
Surgery Coverage
- While hormones may be covered, gender affirmation surgeries are generally not covered under the military health plans today.
- There are limited exceptions allowing for certain reconstructive surgeries if the doctor determines they are necessary for the health of the transgender individual.
So in summary - yes, prescribed hormone replacement therapies are included under the military health insurance for members diagnosed with gender dysphoria. But surgical treatments may not be covered. Each branch has its own nuances in policies, so transgender personnel should consult their military medical provider for current coverage details.
