Aetna is facing a class-action lawsuit alleging the insurer improperly denied gender-affirming care.
The lawsuit was filed in federal district court in Connecticut Sept. 10. The plaintiffs in the case are three transgender women who allege they were denied coverage for gender-affirming facial reconstruction surgery by Aetna.
The plaintiffs allege Aetna covers facial reconstruction surgeries for conditions other than gender dysphoria. The policy violates provisions of the Affordable Care Act that prohibit insurers from discriminating on the basis of sex, the plaintiffs argue.
A spokesperson for Aetna told Becker's the insurer cannot comment on pending litigation.
"Aetna has a strong track record of supporting the LGBTQ+ community and is committed to meeting the health care needs of all our members," the spokesperson said.
The plaintiffs asked the judge to prevent Aetna from enforcing its coverage policies for facial reconstruction surgery, and to award damages to members who paid for gender-affirming surgery out of pocket.
The plaintiffs estimated around 1,700 Aetna members could be eligible for damages in the suit.