Equal Access to Health Insurance: Coverage for Transgender Californians

California law protects health insurance consumers from discrimination based on their gender identity and related medical conditions.

Your coverage rights

In 2012, the California Department of Insurance issued regulations clarifying that insurers are prohibited from denying, canceling, and limiting or refusing insurance coverage based on gender identity, expression or transgender status.

In addition, health insurance policies are prohibited from arbitrarily excluding coverage for gender affirmation services including (but not limited to) hormone therapy, mental health services and surgical services.

Have questions or experienced discrimination?

While insurers can still deny coverage on a case-by-case basis, you can appeal their decision just like you would a denial for any other service. If you believe that you have been unfairly denied coverage for medical services, you can file a consumer complaint online or call our help line at 1-800-927-4357.