The Elevance Health plans denied coverage for procedures that included facial feminization, laser hair removal/electrolysis, voice modification surgery, and voice therapy, according to an Aug. 15 news release.
Both plans have paid the fines and have instituted a corrective action plan, including revising coverage guidelines, completing audits of coverage denials, retraining clinical review staff and dedicating a staff member specifically to members with gender dysphoria, and implementing a program to assist LGBTQ members with accessing care.
“Anthem Blue Cross is committed to ensuring all members – including our LGBTQIA+ members – have access to quality health care that is inclusive, personalized and works for everyone,” an Anthem Blue Cross spokesperson told Becker’s. “We take these matters seriously and have worked directly with the Department of Managed Health Care to identify and implement specific corrective actions to address and resolve the identified matters, which stem from incidents from July 2017 through December 2020.”
